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Thermostatonline.com is a premium resource for latest home thermostats and news concerning the energy saving at home niche.

Intro

Hello! and welcome to my site.  I understand that when choosing from the different range of thermostat models available, it might be hard to find an ideal model. With short reviews,comparison and selection guide, we hope to help you find a thermostat that is perfect for your home and your budget.

A digital non-programmable thermostat temperature reading and setting on these thermostats are far more accurate and give you the convenience of easy to read LCD display.  The problem with these thermostats, however, is that one needs to remember to change them.  For example if you prefer to turn off your heater or lower it during winter nights to save energy, you will have to remember to do it manually every night.

Today’s programmable thermostats offer a variety of options, from displaying the home’s humidity level to showing you how much energy your system is using. You can choose models that will interface with your computer, allowing you to control the thermostat remotely. These internet-connected devices can even text you when it’s time to change your system’s air filter.Some even seem to have a mind of their own. Equipped with PID controllers, they record and process data, learning how long it takes to adjust temperatures in your home, and then automatically adjusting settings until they can maintain your ideal temperature within half a degree.These are generally called the wifi or smart thermostats but are essentially programmable thermostats.

Is it possible to save money using programmable thermostat ?

If you want to know ether it is possible or not to save money using programmable, the answer is of course it is.The correct question then is how and whether using a programmable thermostat is any advantage over a basic setback thermostat.
As with any machine it can only be useful to certain extent and its efficiency depends on the person using it.This is true even for modern smart thermostats.Here is a simple chart and proposed saving for simple household.
In general 1 degree setback (less in winter,more in summer) for 8 hrs result in 1 % saving in energy consumption.

This is what experts say.

My first reaction to people who say that thermostat setbacks don’t work has been to say that they need to go back and study the basic physics of heat transfer. After going through all this and giving Kidd a chance to post his views here in the Energy Vanguard Blog, that’s still my view.

No, actually that’s not just my view. The fundamental principles of physics are well established, and the research shows that thermostat setbacks can save energy. Anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong.

Source

Many people who have programmable thermostats leave them in the ‘permanent hold’ position, as we do because we don’t have a regular enough schedule. A lot of people with either kind of thermostat use setbacks to save energy.

Thermostat setbacks are where the energy savings come from.

Programmable thermostats may or may not be programmed or manually adjusted for setbacks.

So, the answer to the title question is:

No, programmable thermostats do not save energy. Not without some help from you anyway.

Source

Thermostat Myths: Busted

  • Your thermostat can’t control the intensity of your furnace
  • Setbacks and setups do save you money
  • Programmable thermostats can save you $180 annually if you set them right

Source

Programmable thermostats can save money — not just in theory — buit only if they’re used correctly. Pick your set points based on your household’s habits, and then leave them there. Don’t fuss with the thermostat. The following is a typical energy-efficient program:

Source 

Remember its your behaviors and motivation to save energy and ultimately energy bills that will be the real factor.A programmable thermostat can only help you achieve that goal.

Best Programmable non wifi Home Thermostats

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heating and cooling costs account for about half of the average American household’s energy expenses. There are dozens of energy-saving strategies that you can employ to reduce your monthly energy bills, from turning out lights when you leave a room to adding insulation to your attic. One of the easiest, most effective and affordable ways to cut energy costs is to install a non wifi programmable thermostat.
Lower Your Energy Bills Up To 10 %
You can save about $180 each year from these savvy devices, according to the EPA, or around 10 percent of your energy bills (many thermostat manufacturers claim higher savings than that – some up to 33%). Most units cost less than your family might spend on a dinner and a movie.

The digital thermostats display the current time and temperature. You flip through screen displays to program them. While you have the option to manually alter the current temperature at any time, savings come from careful programming.
Scheduled to Turn On & Off Automatically
You can customize the settings to fit your household’s schedule, automatically turning heating and cooling systems off when family members are away from home and back on again in time to ensure that the temperature is comfortable when everyone’s at home.
Most models let you set different schedules for weekdays and weekends, with several temperature changes each day. You can program them to lower the temperature at your usual bedtime and raise the temperature so that you wake up to a comfortably warm home.

Best models

From the list compiled below, you can buy some of the best non wifi programmable thermostat also searched as best non smart thermostat as the word wifi has become synonym with smart although it is not for a minimal investment which will offer substantial savings.

Programming option.

The best programmable thermostat has flexible program settings.  One programming option is a 7 day program which allows you to choose a unique program for each day of the week with up to four periods per day.  This option is great for people with very busy schedules.  5-1-1 programming allows a person to have one setting for the weekdays and a separate one for each of the weekend days.  5-2 setting also allows for different programming options for the weekday and the weekend, but it is programmed for both weekdays together and not individually.  And finally, the one week setting, allows a different program for each week.  Especially helpful with those who travel often.

Compatibility

Make sure the thermostat you’re buying will work with your heating/cooling system because while most thermostats work with common cooling and heating systems, some might have exceptions.Also the heating and cooling stages in your home is crucial before buying your thermostat.Heating and cooling stage in your home can be determined based on the wiring labels in your home.Wire labelled Y is for air conditioner and the one labeled white is for heating furnace. If you have Yellow wire labeled Y1 and Y2 you have two stage cooling and similarly if W is labeled W1 and W2 you have two stage heating otherwise you have one stage heating or cooling.Most thermostat listed above have maximum 2 stage heating and two stage cooling. This is the maximum you can expect in this price range.Also check the compatibility for heat pumps.Most heat pumps have single heating or cooling speeds,but some have auxiliary compressor unit in case of cooler conditions.Most thermostats are compatible with one and some with two/multi stage heat pumps.

Higher/adjustable temperature swing for heating and cooing

Most digital thermostat comes with +-1 temperature differential.It means the thermostat switches on or off a HVAC device (AC or furnace) at one above or below the  set  temperature respectively .It is called the switching cycle of the HVAC device.Some thermostat like lux however have maximum +-3 setting by changing which you can adjust the number of cycles.Others like Honeywell allows you to directly define number of cycles. Controlling number of cycles is helpful because it  will reduce wear and tear of HVAC device by frequent switching ans also saves power bill because it is the at the start that a HVAC device ex Air conditioner draws the maximum power.Above list includes some models that have the adjustable switching cycle.

Auto Heat or cool mode.

We know that we can switch the mode to cooling(AC) in case of hot day/seasons and vice versa in cold days/seasons.But what when the temperature in not so predictable and there is higher swing in temperature in days and night(warmer day and cooler night). Some thermostats comes with option to automatically change mode if temperature remain above or below the set point for some time and the the selected mode HVAC device(AC or furnace) was not triggered on command.Not all thermostats has this feature but  those that do comes with a price.

Batteries

In case of programmable only thermostat with no radio the batteries can last for about one year or so and if it runs on batteries you don’t necessarily need to connect the C wire to the thermostats and vice versa.When used as a backup it will power the thermostat and save the program in the memory in case of power outage.But most models nowadays have battery independent memory.Most models will have  have replace batteries alarm showing months before it die out.

Temperature hold

All thermostat comes with manual program override called the temporary or permanent hold.When you put the thermostat on hold the temperature set point is given by you until you take the hold off.There is also a different vacation mode in which you can also determine the the number of days after which it will come on to its normal programmed schedule.Above list have mentioned whether the model has this feature or the normal hold.

Other features

Since there are a quite a lot of models and brands competing in the programmable domain different models come with unique features that can also be an advantage over others like easy  interface for programming and controlling.Furnace filter change reminder based on elapsed time,Screen with basic touchscreen, large display or back lights etc.

Wifi Programmable home thermostats

The idea of linking a home’s appliances, electronics and devices like thermostats together into a system that could be controlled remotely with a touch of a finger has an appeal that’s hard to resist. It conjures up images from the futuristic movies and television shows of the 1950s, that hopeful era when it seemed like full-home automation was just around the corner. In the 1950s, however, the technology that would make that vision a reality was still decades away.
Connecting a device as simple as a thermostat to a home automation system didn’t become feasible until the late 1970s when home-automation technology based on a home’s existing power lines began to become widely available. Most people viewed those early systems as not worth the trouble that it took to get them up and running. Then came WiFi.

The Introduction of Wi-Fi in Our Homes

Wireless (Wi-Fi) networks use high frequency radio signals to send and receive data within a limited area. Wi-Fi technology is ideally suited for home automation systems, making it easy to transmit video, sound and data to any part of the home up to 100 feet away without having to fuss with electrical and telephone lines.
How Wi-Fi Thermostats Work
It’s not necessary to install a separate Wi-Fi network to make a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat operational. Any home that has a high-speed Internet connection is ready for Wi-Fi home automation. The device that handles communication between the Internet and a thermostat with Wi-Fi is called a “bridge,” a device that looks something like a miniature stereo speaker. The bridge plugs into an open port on the computer’s router.
Works With Your Computer, Cellphone Or Tablet Device
It’s this aspect of Wi-Fi thermostats that makes some so ideal for the home. The devices can be scheduled to turn off a heating or cooling system when the family is away from home and turn the system back on in time for the family to return to a comfortably heated or cooled environment.With a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat, users can either program the device using the controls on the thermostat or can use the software program’s interface to handle the programming. This allows for remote programming as well. If a family member decides to return home sooner than expected, for example, a few simple clicks of a mouse or taps on a cell phone is all that’s needed to adjust the home’s temperature quickly.

By allowing users to program their thermostats to adjust temperatures when they’re away from home, Wi-Fi programmable thermostats can cut up to 15 percent off of heating and cooling expenses. Multiple thermostats can be controlled by the same Wi-Fi system too. A broad range of other devices, including appliances, electronics, lights and security systems, can be incorporated into a single Wi-Fi home automation system, bringing the vision of fully automated home to life.

Best wifi thermostat models

Here we have listed models which come with wifi.There are several popular brands of wireless thermostats available on the market today, and they are all competing for the consumer’s attention with special features and settings. Some of the more popular brands include Nest, Homewerks, Ecobee, Venstar, and Honeywell.with Each of these brands feature their own set of special features and settings, and not all of them may carry each type of feature a consumer may desire so make sure to check the above features when choosing your wifi thermostat.We have also have a list of cheap wifi thermostat under $ 100,you can check it out here.

How to Choose Your Wifi Thermostat

Compatibility

Check to be sure the wireless thermostat you are considering is compatible with the make and model of heating and cooling system you already have in place.For example the nest the biggest contender in smart wifi thermostats market is not compatible with all of the home system.

Battery Life

Battery life is a common issue with thermostat like nest. Firstly most wifi thermostat would not be able to run only with batteries because the battery will soon die out as it has to keep the radio signal on.So most wifi thermostats get its power from C wire and batteries are most of the time included from date and time update in case of power outage.

Smart control features

Needless to say a thermostat with wifi comes with the setting to of 7 four times a day programming.But only extra feature you should look for is that weather it is really a smart thermostat or just a wireless thermostat.By that i mean that a smart thermostat will have an auto schedule feature which will automatically set your future temperature setting by learning from your past temperature and the time of adjustments ,the current or future outdoor weather conditions like temperature and humidity level to adjust its controls.It can also auto adjust by learning weather you are at home or about to reach home(Geo-fencing).Some thermostat like ecobee comes with remote sensors that can monitor and control temperature at desired room in your house.Thermostats like hone well  that say it is smart don’t have the auto schedule feature but offers smart response technology that heat and cool before time by taking into account the amount of time it takes to heat or cool the system.Others models like nest have motion sensor for auto away feature that auto detects that you are in your home and starts to heat up,while when you are away it helps in energy saving.This is a different from Geo-fencing which uses your cell phone location.

Geo fencing

If you are going for wifi, Geo-fencing is something you can consider as by it you are basically adding to the wifi feature of your thermostat.Since you will be using you phone(Pc app as well) most of the time to control your home temperature,you can do so automatically by automatically sending your location through phone to your thermostat and by adjusting the range from your house in which if you enter or leave the thermostat automatically set the desired temperature of your settings.This can work for both if you routinely go out for work or otherwise require to go out anyway.But this feature is not always reliable,so do look more into this feature of your particular company models before making a choice.

 Security   

Since the thermostat is wireless, it is possible that it could conflict with a neighbor’s heating or cooling system if they,too, use a wireless thermostat system. This is why most wireless thermostats come with a house code that matches it specifically to your home or business.To protect temperature settings, some wireless thermostats come with a password protect option so settings stay where you set them and cannot be changed without your permission.

Unique features  

Lastly various companies add some unique capabilities of their own in their new line of models in order to compete. Some of which include unique energy saving and usage data and trend, latest Voice control like in Honeywell smart thermostat. Some wireless thermostats come with a large display screen that makes it easy to read and operate. Others come with a back-lit display for easy reading in the dark. Certain brands even carry display screens that have high resolution and look very professional. Others with special features such as screen savers night-hour dimming, holiday and nature themes, alerts, and the choice between either a digital or an analog clock.

10 Best smart, wifi thermostat for boilers

As we strive for energy efficiency and smarter home automation, the role of thermostats has become increasingly significant. When it comes to controlling heating systems, especially boilers, choosing the right thermostat can make a world of difference. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing setup or are in the process of installing a brand-new boiler, having a thermostat that complements its functionality is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of thermostats specifically designed for boilers. We will delve into the key features, types, and considerations to keep in mind when selecting the best thermostat for your boiler system. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for and be equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed decision.

In this era of increased awareness about carbon footprints and energy consumption, having a thermostat that can optimize your boiler’s performance and keep your home comfortable is paramount. An efficient thermostat can help you save on energy bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more sustainable living environment.

What is boiler and types of boiler in USA

A home boiler is a central heating system that generates heat to warm a residential space and provide hot water. It consists of a boiler unit that heats water, which is then circulated through pipes and radiators or underfloor heating systems to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. Boilers are commonly fueled by natural gas, oil, propane, or electricity.

In the United States, the most prevalent type of boiler used in residential settings is the natural gas-fired condensing boiler. These boilers are highly efficient, utilizing the heat produced during combustion to preheat cold water entering the boiler. This process maximizes energy efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.

Condensing boilers are known for their excellent performance, achieving efficiency levels of up to 98%. They extract heat from the flue gases, which are then condensed into liquid form, releasing additional heat energy. This condensation process helps recover latent heat and further improves the boiler’s efficiency.

Another type of boiler commonly found in the USA is the oil-fired boiler. While less popular due to the availability and pricing of oil, these boilers are still used in areas where natural gas infrastructure is limited. Oil-fired boilers operate similarly to natural gas boilers but use oil as their fuel source.

It’s worth noting that electric boilers are also available in the US market. These boilers use electricity as their energy source and are compact and easy to install. However, they tend to be less energy-efficient compared to natural gas or oil boilers and may result in higher electricity costs.

Smart ,wifi boiler thermostat

Ecobee 4 and 3

Ecobee is a well-known brand in the smart thermostat market, offering advanced features and energy-saving capabilities.

Ecobee4 Thermostat:

The Ecobee4 is a feature-rich smart thermostat that combines temperature control, voice control, and home automation capabilities. It offers a variety of advanced features and is known for its versatility and compatibility with different HVAC systems, including boiler systems.

Compatibility with Boiler Systems:

The Ecobee4 is compatible with most boiler systems, including single-stage and multi-stage boilers. It supports a wide range of heating equipment, such as boilers with or without external transformers, zone valves, and radiant heating systems.

To ensure compatibility with your specific boiler system, it’s essential to check the Ecobee website or consult the manufacturer’s documentation for a comprehensive list of supported systems and compatibility requirements.

Integration and Control:

The Ecobee4 integrates with a variety of boiler system components, allowing you to control your heating system efficiently. It utilizes the Ecobee app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, to provide remote access and control of your thermostat from anywhere.

The thermostat also supports voice control through popular voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to adjust temperature settings, schedule changes, and access other thermostat features using voice commands.

Energy Saving Features:

The Ecobee4 comes equipped with various energy-saving features designed to optimize comfort and reduce energy consumption. These features include:

a. Smart Home/Away: The thermostat uses occupancy sensors and geofencing technology to detect when the house is occupied or empty. It adjusts the temperature accordingly, helping to conserve energy when you’re away.

b. Follow Me: The Ecobee4 can detect which rooms are occupied based on its occupancy sensors. It focuses on heating or cooling those occupied areas, providing personalized comfort while saving energy in unoccupied spaces.

c. Smart Recovery: The thermostat learns the heating patterns of your home and calculates the time needed to reach the desired temperature. By doing so, it ensures that the temperature is comfortable at the scheduled time while avoiding unnecessary heating, thus saving energy. It is also called Smart response technology in Honeywell thermostat.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Ecobee 4 thermostat

Ecobee3 Lite Thermostat:

The Ecobee3 Lite is a more budget-friendly option that offers essential features and functionality for smart temperature control. Although it is a simplified version of the Ecobee4, it still provides compatibility with boiler systems.

Compatibility with Boiler Systems:

Similar to the Ecobee4, the Ecobee3 Lite is compatible with most boiler systems, including single-stage and multi-stage boilers. It supports various heating equipment, making it suitable for a wide range of boiler installations.

Note that it may not be compatible with central heating systems having 3 or 4 stages

Integration and Control:

The Ecobee3 Lite offers integration with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It allows you to control your thermostat using voice commands for hands-free operation.

The thermostat also provides remote access and control through the Ecobee app, enabling you to manage your thermostat settings from your smartphone or tablet.

Energy Saving Features:

While the Ecobee3 Lite may not have all the advanced features of the Ecobee4, it still incorporates essential energy-saving features. These features include:

a. Smart Home/Away: The thermostat uses occupancy detection to adjust the temperature when no one is home, helping to reduce energy consumption during vacant periods.

b. Scheduling: The Ecobee3 Lite allows you to create customized schedules to align with your lifestyle. By optimizing temperature settings based on your daily routine, you can minimize energy waste.

c. Energy Reports: The thermostat provides energy reports that offer insights into your energy usage patterns. These reports can help you identify opportunities for further energy savings and make adjustments to optimize your heating system’s efficiency.

Difference between 2 models

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Ecobee 3 Lite thermostat

Nest 3rd Gen and Nest E

Nest thermostats are known for their sleek design, user-friendly interface, and smart functionality. In this article, we will focus on two popular models: the Nest 3rd Generation (Nest Learning Thermostat) and the Nest E Thermostat. We will explore their features and specifically discuss their compatibility with boiler systems, which are commonly used for heating in many homes.

  1. Nest 3rd Generation (Nest Learning Thermostat):The Nest 3rd Generation, also referred to as the Nest Learning Thermostat, is a top-of-the-line smart thermostat that offers advanced features and energy-saving capabilities.

Compatibility with Boiler Systems: The Nest 3rd Generation is compatible with most boiler systems, including single-stage and multi-stage boilers. It supportsm ost 24V heating and cooling systems like gas, electric, forced air, boilers with or without external transformers,heat pump, radiant, oil, hot water, solar and geothermal and even those with underfloor heating.

Integration and Control: The Nest 3rd Generation integrates with the Nest app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to control your thermostat remotely. Through the app, you can adjust temperature settings, set schedules, and monitor energy usage.

Additionally, the Nest Learning Thermostat has the ability to learn your temperature preferences and create a personalized schedule based on your habits. Over time, it adapts and optimizes temperature settings to maximize comfort while minimizing energy consumption.

The thermostat also supports voice control through various voice assistants, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Energy Saving Features: The Nest 3rd Generation incorporates several energy-saving features to help reduce energy consumption:

a. Auto-Schedule: The thermostat learns your preferred temperature settings and creates a schedule based on your usage patterns. It can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away, optimizing energy efficiency.

b. Home/Away Assist: Using built-in sensors and geofencing technology, the Nest Learning Thermostat can detect when you are at home or away. It adjusts the temperature accordingly, conserving energy when you’re not present.

c. Energy History: The thermostat provides detailed energy usage reports and insights through the Nest app. This information helps you track your energy consumption and make informed decisions about energy-saving adjustments.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Nest 3rd Gen thermostat

  1. Nest E Thermostat: The Nest E Thermostat is a more budget-friendly option compared to the Nest 3rd Generation. It offers essential smart thermostat features while maintaining compatibility with boiler systems.

Compatibility with Boiler Systems: Similar to the Nest 3rd Generation, the Nest E Thermostat is compatible with most boiler systems, including single-stage and multi-stage boilers.

Note-Nest E is not compatible beyond 2 stages of heating and 1 stage of cooling)

For ex- Two stages of cooling and two or three stage furnace  heating 

Also do not work with acessories like humidifier or ventilators

Integration and Control: The Nest E Thermostat integrates with the Nest app, allowing you to control your thermostat remotely and access its features from your smartphone or tablet. The app provides a user-friendly interface for adjusting temperature settings, setting schedules, and monitoring energy usage.

While the Nest E Thermostat lacks the learning capabilities of the Nest 3rd Generation, it still offers basic scheduling options. You can create custom temperature schedules to align with your daily routine, optimizing energy usage accordingly.

Energy Saving Features: The Nest E Thermostat incorporates energy-saving features to help reduce energy consumption:

a. Home/Away Assist: Similar to the Nest 3rd Generation, the Nest E Thermostat utilizes occupancy detection and geofencing technology to determine when you’re home or away. It adjusts the temperature settings accordingly to save energy when you’re not at home.

b. Energy History: The Nest E Thermostat provides energy usage reports and insights through the Nest app. You can track your energy consumption patterns, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to optimize energy efficiency.

c. Eco Mode: The Eco Mode feature on the Nest E Thermostat helps save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature to a more energy-efficient level when no one is home. It ensures that you’re not wasting energy on heating or cooling an unoccupied space.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Nest E thermostat

Honeywell lyrics T6 and T5 thermostat

Honeywell Lyric T6

The Honeywell Lyric T6 thermostat is a versatile and advanced device designed to provide precise temperature control and energy efficiency in residential heating systems. It is compatible with a wide range of boilers, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and smart thermostat solution.

The Lyric T6 thermostat supports both 24-230V on/off and OpenTherm(R) gas boilers and combi-boilers with upto 3 heat stages and 2 cool staged but not compatible with pellet stove boilers and electric base board heating.

It requires 24 V a C wire.

The Honeywell Lyric T6 thermostat is compatible with IFTTT (If This Then That), a popular web-based automation platform that allows users to create custom connections and interactions between different devices and services. This compatibility enhances the functionality of the Lyric T6 thermostat and enables users to integrate it into their existing smart home setups or create unique automation scenarios.

For example, users can set up an applet that triggers the Lyric T6 thermostat to adjust the temperature when certain conditions are met. This could include turning on the thermostat when a specific location-based trigger is activated or adjusting the temperature based on the weather forecast retrieved from a weather service. The possibilities are virtually endless, limited only by the available triggers and actions within the IFTTT ecosystem.

Through IFTTT, the Lyric T6 thermostat can be integrated with a wide range of devices and services, such as smart lighting systems, home security cameras, voice assistants, and more. This integration allows for seamless automation and coordination between different smart home components, providing users with a centralized and streamlined control over their connected devices.

To set up IFTTT compatibility with the Lyric T6 thermostat, users need to create an IFTTT account and follow the instructions provided by Honeywell. The process typically involves linking the thermostat to the IFTTT service and selecting the desired triggers and actions to create custom applets.

One of the key features of the Lyric T6 thermostat is its ability to adapt to different types of heating systems. It uses advanced algorithms to optimize the boiler’s performance and reduce energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. By learning the heating patterns and preferences of the occupants, the thermostat creates a personalized schedule that maximizes energy efficiency and minimizes wasted heating cycles.

The Lyric T6 thermostat is designed for easy installation and setup. It can be installed on the wall and can also be integrated with home automation systems like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Echo or Google Home Assistant allowing users to control the thermostat remotely through their smartphones or other connected devices.

A higher version Honeywell T6(R) is totally wireless does not need to be installed on wall and can be kept anywhere.

It supports geofencing, which enables the thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature based on the occupants’ location, ensuring that the home is always at the desired temperature when they arrive. The thermostat also provides energy usage reports and insights, allowing homeowners to track their heating consumption and make informed decisions about energy-saving measures.

The Resideo app(Earlier known as Honeywell home app) serves as your primary control center, giving you access to all your in-home devices no matter where you are. Whether it’s lights, locks, cameras, thermostats, or more, you can conveniently manage and control them from any mobile device. The app also provides real-time alerts when any smart home device is triggered, and it keeps a comprehensive history of system events for your review and reference.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Honeywell Lyric T 6 thermostat

Like Nest and Ecoobee Honeywell also has a lighter version T5 which is also compatible with most boiler system. 

Honeywell T5 thermostat

The main difference being no dual fuel and IFTT in Honeywell T5 and 2 stage heat/2 cool as compared to 3 Stage heat and 2 cool in T6.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Honeywell Lyric T 5 thermostat

Honeywell RTH9585WF – WiFi Boiler Thermostat

The Honeywell RTH9585WF WiFi Boiler Thermostat is a popular choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their thermostat to a smart and connected device. With advanced features and compatibility with boiler systems, it offers convenient control and energy-saving capabilities. Let’s explore its details, with a particular focus on boiler compatibility.

Note- Not a auto scheduling or learning thermostat commonly called smart thermostat.

Compatibility with Boiler Systems:

The Honeywell RTH9585WF WiFi Boiler Thermostat is designed to be compatible with a wide range of boiler systems viz Forced air (gas, oil or electric), hot water and steam, and heat pumps with electric backup. It do not work with 120-240V electric baseboard heat and a C-Wire is required.

Integration and Control: As the name suggests, the Honeywell RTH9585WF WiFi Boiler Thermostat offers WiFi connectivity, enabling remote access and control via the Honeywell Total Connect Comfort app. This means you can conveniently adjust temperature settings, create schedules, and monitor your heating system from your smartphone or tablet.

The thermostat also supports voice control through popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows you to adjust temperature settings and control your heating system using simple voice commands, adding a level of hands-free convenience.

Energy Saving Features: The Honeywell RTH9585WF WiFi Boiler Thermostat incorporates several energy-saving features to help optimize your heating system’s efficiency:

  1. Smart Scheduling: The thermostat allows you to create customized schedules to align with your lifestyle. By setting different temperature preferences for specific times of the day, you can ensure efficient heating while minimizing energy waste.
  2. Geofencing: This feature utilizes your smartphone’s location to detect when you are leaving or approaching home. When you’re away, it can automatically adjust the temperature to an energy-saving level. As you approach home, it can start preheating, ensuring a comfortable environment upon your arrival.
  3. Intelligent Comfort Control: The thermostat includes advanced algorithms to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature while optimizing energy usage. It continuously learns your heating patterns and adjusts accordingly, reducing unnecessary heating cycles and improving overall efficiency.

Additional Features: Apart from boiler compatibility and energy-saving capabilities, the Honeywell RTH9585WF WiFi Boiler Thermostat offers several other noteworthy features:

  1. Touchscreen Display: The thermostat features a large, easy-to-use touchscreen display that allows for intuitive navigation and temperature adjustments.
  2. Customizable Color Themes: You can personalize the thermostat’s appearance by choosing from a variety of color themes to match your home decor.
  3. Filter Change Reminder: The thermostat provides reminders to change your HVAC system’s filters, ensuring optimal performance and indoor air quality.
  4. Weather Information: The thermostat can display local weather information, keeping you informed about outdoor conditions and helping you make informed decisions about your heating system.

Installation Considerations: Installing the Honeywell RTH9585WF WiFi Boiler Thermostat may require specific wiring connections based on your boiler system. It’s advisable to consult the product documentation or seek professional assistance to ensure proper installation and compatibility with your specific setup.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Honeywell RTH9585WF thermostat

Emerson Sensi ST75

The Emerson Sensi ST5 Thermostat is a smart and versatile thermostat that offers a range of features for convenient temperature control and energy savings. With a particular focus on boiler compatibility, let’s delve into the details of this thermostat.

The thermostat is compatible with conventional Heating like Gas/Oil/Propane Furnace, Electric Furnace, Boiler/Radiant with upto 2 stage of heating and with both heating and cooling it has 2H/1C or 1 C/2H.
 Note- Emerson sensi has 4 models that they call smart thermostat viz with following difference
  • Sensi Lite and Sensi smart thermostats: Only requires a “C” wire with heat pumps, heat-only systems, and cool-only systems.
  • Sensi Touch and Touch 2 smart thermostats: Requires a “C” wire for all applications.
Integration and Control:
The Sensi ST5 Thermostat offers multiple ways to control and monitor your heating system:
Mobile App: The thermostat can be controlled remotely via the Sensi mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices. This allows you to adjust temperature settings, create schedules, and monitor energy usage from anywhere, providing flexibility and convenience.
Voice Control: The Sensi ST5 Thermostat is compatible with popular voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Geofencing: The thermostat supports geofencing technology, which uses your smartphone’s location to determine when you’re leaving or approaching home. It can automatically adjust the temperature settings to save energy when you’re away and ensure a comfortable environment upon your return.
Energy Saving Features:
The Sensi ST5 Thermostat incorporates several energy-saving features to help you optimize energy usage and reduce heating costs:
Flexible Scheduling: You can create personalized schedules based on your daily routine, ensuring that your heating system operates efficiently when you need it. This feature allows you to set different temperature preferences for different times of the day or week.
Note- Not a auto scheduling thermostat like Ecoobee or Nest.
Usage Reports: The thermostat provides energy usage reports and insights through the Sensi mobile app. These reports allow you to track your energy consumption patterns and make informed decisions to further optimize efficiency.
Additional Features:
In addition to boiler compatibility and energy-saving capabilities, the Sensi ST5 Thermostat offers several other notable features:
Easy Installation: The thermostat is designed for easy installation and can be installed by most homeowners without professional assistance. The Sensi mobile app provides step-by-step instructions and helpful videos to guide you through the installation process.
Intuitive Interface: The thermostat features a user-friendly interface with a backlit digital display for easy visibility and temperature adjustments. It also has a simple control panel that allows you to access various settings and features with ease.
Smart Alerts: The Sensi ST5 Thermostat can send alerts and notifications to your mobile device to keep you informed about temperature changes, system status, and potential issues. This helps you stay proactive and address any concerns promptly.
Secure Connection: The thermostat ensures a secure and reliable connection through encryption and authentication protocols. This protects your personal data and ensures privacy while using the mobile app or remote control features.
Honeywell T9 wifi thermostat 

The Honeywell T9 Wi-Fi thermostat offers several features designed to provide convenience, energy savings, and comfort in your home. Here are the key features of the Honeywell T9 Wi-Fi thermostat:

  1. Auto Home and Away Mode: With the T9 thermostat, you can adjust your thermostat from anywhere using your mobile device. Additionally, the thermostat has an Auto Home and Away mode that allows your home to automatically react to your schedule using geofencing technology. It can detect when you leave home and adjust the temperature to save energy, and when you’re on your way back, it can ensure a comfortable temperature upon your arrival.
  2. Multi-Room Focus: The T9 thermostat supports the addition of Smart Room Sensors (sold separately) with range upto 200 feet. By adding these sensors to different rooms, you can prioritize and focus the temperature control in those specific areas, providing comfort where it matters to you the most. Only single sensor is provided but you can add upto 20 additional sensors.
  3. Wide Compatibility: The T9 thermostat is compatible with various heating and cooling systems, including forced air (gas, oil, or electric), hot water and steam systems, and heat pumps with electric backup. However, it does not work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V).
  4. C-Wire Requirement: The T9 thermostat typically requires a C-wire (common wire) for power. This wire provides continuous power to the thermostat, ensuring stable operation. Before purchasing the T9 thermostat, it’s recommended to check if your home’s heating and cooling system has a C-wire or if you need a power adapter to support the thermostat.
  5. Smarter, Simpler Setup: The T9 thermostat comes with everything you need in the box, including a power adapter for compatibility with most homes. The thermostat is designed for easy installation and setup, and it intuitively identifies your home’s heating and cooling system type, making it user-friendly for DIY installation.
  6. Energy Savings and Rewards: By using the T9 thermostat, you can save energy and potentially qualify for energy savings rebates offered by your energy provider. Additionally, eligible customers may be able to enroll in their local utility’s “Demand Response Program,” which rewards you for allowing slight adjustments to your AC or furnace temperature settings during high energy demand periods.
  7. Smart Home Integration: The T9 thermostat is compatible with various smart home platforms, including IFTTT, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, iOS, and Android. This allows you to control and manage your thermostat through voice commands or integrated smart home systems.

Click here for more detail, price, reviews and ratings of Honeywell T9 thermostat

Honeywell T10

An upgraded version Honeywell T10 thermostat has same compatibility with like T9 with boilers but has some additional feature like T10 can handle dual fuel system like Gas and diesel or Gas furnace and heat pump.

Also T10 can control humidity and ventilation.

Outdoor thermostat-How and when to use them?

INTRO

If you have a heat pump in your house you probably have heard of the name outdoor thermostat.Why? Well as you probably know that not all indoor thermostats are made for heat pumps and even if it is you may have problems in winter when you either want your supplemental heat to turn on when outside temperature falls below tripping point.Or you want to not allow supplemental heating to turn on unless it is below certain point.This is where you can install an outdoor thermostat.

WHAT IS AN OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT ?

 

Outdoor thermostats are mechanical thermostat switches that senses outside temperature and can be installed in conjunction with your present indoor thermostat.Its purpose is to cutoff compressor and bring on the auxiliary heat when temperature falls below a point at which your heat pump is no longer effective in meeting the load requirement of house.

Conversely it can also be used to keep auxiliary heat from starting unless temperature is below a  set point band thus maximize efficiency.

Modern programmable thermostat do come with special algorithmic time delay to do this by sensing outdoor temperature with an outdoor sensor like Honeywell vision pro thermostat but in case you have basic heat pump thermostat and want to add an extra level of control an outdoor thermostat can do that job for you.

HEAT PUMPS COMPONENTS.

A heat pump is designed like an air conditioner with most part like condenser evaporator etc common to Ac system except that it can transfer heat both ways. When functioning like AC it takes inside heat to outside. But when functioning in heating mode it does the reverse by squeezing heat from outside and bringing it inside.It does it with a 4 way reverse valve.

HEAT PUMPS AND WINTER-HOW TO MAXIMIZE EFFICIENCY ?

 

During winter the air outside is cold so there is limited capacity up to which the heat pump can work efficiently.

So there is a provision of auxiliary heat.This heat comes into play when there is more than 2 degree difference in ambient temperature and set point and also when the load capacity of heat pump is less than load

This heat can come from a electric heat strip or a furnace. System that uses furnace as auxiliary heat are called dual fuel system.

One mistake that people do with heat pumps is that they switch on auxiliary heat but turn off the compressor or heat pump when outside temperature falls below certain point. In this mode the heat pump is running in emergency heat mode and not supplemental heat mode.

Most heat pump have electric resistance wire as auxiliary heat source which is very costly in terms of producing heat. So running the heat pump on supplemental heat alone greatly increase your electricity bill.

Best practice is to keep the heat pump running but add supplemental heat to make for the load demand that the heat pump is not able to meet up.

 

 

From above graph you can see that around 30 there is a balance point between load and capacity of heat pump. Below that temp the capacity is lower than the load of the house but it is not zero. So turning off heat pump condenser completely is not effective way of running a heat pump.

TYPES OF WAY AN OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT CAN BE INSTALLED.

For Compressor cutoff-Although it is not recommended to completely cutoff the  the mechanical heating sometimes it is desired because low temperature can cause many defrost cycle or to shutoff the noise when its relatively less efficient. But overall it should be avoided.

For Heat holdoff-In this mode the thermostat prevent the supply of supplemental heat which is costly and will only allow if outside temperature is below certain point. This is better way of using outdoor thermostat.

OUTDOOR THERMOSTATS WIRING DIAGRAMS

 

OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE SENSORS FOR INBUILT OUTDOOR TEMPERATRE MONITORING THERMOSTATS

Many thermostat like Honeywell vision pro, Honewell T10, Goodman Comfortnet CTK04AE thermostat , Honeywell thermostats with truezone panel etc and countless others can sense the outdoor temperature and also comes with an internal algorithms to switch between the dual fuel or electric and mechanical heating as stated in the starting of the article. Keep in mind that some thermostat like Honeywell 9000 series can use weather forecast to sense the outdoor temperature by ntering your local zip code into the system so the use of a temperature sensor is not required.

For these type of thermostats there are certain sensors that can do the job. You just have do install it at the location where you want to sense the ambient outdoor temperature and the thermostat will decide based on the setpoint to run the Auxilaary heating lockout or Compressor lockout based on the mode of operation.

Two such popular temperature sensor are

1.Honeywell C7089R1013 Wireless Outdoor Sensor

This sensor is made for wireless Honeywell thermostats. It comes with upto 5 years lasting 2AA lithium batteries. It pairs easily with Honeywell thermostat like Vision pro 8000. You need to have a Honeywell thermostat with Red link capacity. Although the sensor uses wireless communication for transmission it doesn’t interfere with the other wireless instruments around it.

You can add this device in your thermostat using the installer code of the product. It can gather both temperature and humidity information of its surroundings. You can use it compressor lockout like at low temperature where auxiliary heat kicks in and auxiliary heat lock out at higher temperature when it shuts of the auxiliary heat. You can use the humidity and temperature reading to control the humidity inside by locking out the vent when dew point is above certain level.

Some user find the temperature to be wrongly calibrated like around 6 degree so you can check and make adjustment or it will not give efficient performance when used for thermostat functions. Also one sensor can be used to read temperature in more than one thermostat units if you require.Be sure to install it under a shade at the north side of the house as it is sensitive to the sun.

Here is a link to the manual of the product.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/69761/Honeywell-C7089.html

Click here for more reviews rating and price of Honeywell C7089R1013 sensor

2.Honeywell C7089U1006 Outdoor Temperature Sensor

This light weight wired temperature sensor comes with a 2.25 x 0.375 inch sensor head with 60 inch lead wires wihich can be stretched to maximum of 200 feet by adding more length to it using 18 gauge 24 V thermostat wire. There is a mounting clip that allows for easy fit on siding or soffit. The listed accuracy of the +- 1 degree F at 70 degrees F.

It works with Honeywell Honeywell Th8000 – TH 7000 series. However it can not be used with the RTh series as it uses wifi to retrieve outside temperature. Its works well with heat pumps and dual fuel systems. It is sensitive to the sun so try to install it under a shade.

Click here for more reviews rating and price of Honeywell C7089U1006 Sensor

BUY OUTDOOR THERMOSTAT ON AMAZON.

Well outdoor thermostat are not that much required with modern new thermostats having the ability to sense outdoor temp and optimizing the efficiency. But they are still good additional switch that will ensure your system heat cutoff and cut in capabilities.

Switch types

But first I think you should know various electronic switch code that are common with these thermostats.

1.SPST-

 

stands for Single pole single throw which is just a simple on-OFF  the switch has it has a single pole which when thrown(makes contact) conducts otherwise it breaks the circuit.

2.SPDT

 

In this type of switch is single pole connected to common toggles between two position which are both conducting, ie completes a circuit.

TPI LB110 Series LB Bi-Metal in-Built Thermostat, SPST Heat Only

 

TPI is American company which manufactures heating, ventilation, lighting, thermostats and and replacement heating element .

This thermostat has a bi metal temperature sensor instead of thermocouple. Comes with 6 feet/4 Gauge of lead for installation.

TPI LRD100A Series LR Bi-Metal SPDT Outdoor Thermostat

 

It also has a bimetallic temperature sensor with temperature marking in steps of 20 degree. Comes with 6 Feet/14 gauge lead for installation. It is dual switch which can toggle in two position of On. If not in use one terminal can be connected to common.

Goodman Outdoor Thermostat Kit OT18-60A

Goodman company which manufactures furnace, AC, Heat pumps and also HVAC replacement components.

This set is also a complete kit for installation. Temperature sensor is thermocouple and temperature marking in multiple of 5.

Following models of outdoor thermostat are available for purchase on amazon.

OT18-60A – Janitrol OEM Replacement Heat Pump Outdoor Thermostat

 

This is a replacement kit for heat pumps thermostats from Janitrol which was acquired by Goodman. It also make furnace, Ac, heatpump and HVAC replacement parts. This thermostat has a thermocouple lead as temperature sensor .You would need power tools and maybe a handyman too.

Best wifi thermostat with humidity control

When you think of humidity what comes to mind.Mist ,fog,dew,wetness.Well all these conventional picture of humidity tells that it is related to amount of moisture in the air.But our comfort level is not just related to moisture present in the air.A more important and useful term is relative humidity and temperature that affects our level of comfort inside our house or outside.When accessing IAQ(Indoor air quality) both these factor must be taken into account.

So what is relative humidity(RH)?

Well in simple terms it is the amount of moisture present per cubic meter of air.Now while the volume of given air remains fixed the number of molecules of  air,in other words how dense the air is depends on the temperature of the air.Now obviously dense air which is colder can hold less moisture than hot air because as air expands when heated there is more space between molecules in hot air to accommodate water molecules than in colder air.

So if we take air of fixed amount of moisture content in it and heat it its RH will decrease  and if we cool it RH will increase.You can test it by measuring RH at inlet and outlet of your furnace or AC respectively.

But there is a paradoxical effect seen in weather conditions.

You may have seen that hotter seasons are high in humidity while colder seasons are dry.This is because it generally rains or water evaporates faster in hot season so no of water molecules per cubic meter of air is higher than is in winter.

While in winter the air saturates and the water condenses to form droplets or ice.But we don’t see droplets forming on window panes in summer.

We know that AC coil takes up the latent heat from water vapor molecules and removes moisture and but it increases RH. It is only when this cool air mixes with indoor hot air that the RH of supply air decreases while of whole house increases.

Note-While AC is moderately effective in removing humidity than a dehumidifier it can work as a natural dehumidifier especially by using over cool feature of thermostats.

Similarly a furnace makes the air less dense so reduces RH of supply air but when it mixes with the colder air of whole house the RH of supply increases while of whole house decreases.

How humidity affects us.

High humidity levels in the home creates allows for growth of for mold ,dust mites,powerful allergens and irritants which is not good especially for people with asthma.

On the other hand if humidity is below 30%,

  • It causes irritation of the mucous membranes in nose and throat, leading to  breathing difficulties.
  • Dry air is adds to discomfort to people with skin or eye conditions.
  • It is also dry wood made items them too much creating cracks in them.

HVAC components that control your indoor humidity.

Whole house Humidifier-Used in winter season. Introduces water molecules into the draft air by intake from a solenoid valve and pouring it on a meshed plate. The water evaporates and is then taken away by the air draft on the duct it is installed.

Dehumidifier-Can be used in extension to AC.Work almost like AC but do not cool the air but help in making you cool since it removes the stickiness and mugginess from air so your sweat evaporates faster and make you feel cool.

Dehumidity-stat–

It is a simple device that operates and control the dehumidifier or AC But it is more used for energy saving device when you are gone for extended period of time or vacation rather than humidity control and prevent growth of mold or mildew inside your home.

The setting of the nob is like follows.

In summer

When Away-Set the Knob(Used for dehumidification) to 60 % and temperature to your desired cooling temperature Ex-80 degree F and set your fan switch to auto. When away your thermostat wont work if humidity is less than 60% but dehumidifier would.

When Home-Set the Knob to about 100% and operate the thermostat normally.

In winter

This humiditistat comes with the company making your whole house humidifier.In winter when humidity is low Set the humidistat knob to 55 % which in summer would have been in off position.Also you need to adjust the humidity level according to the temperature outside to prevent formation of dew on windows etc and dry the house furniture or wood work beyond acceptable limits.However people generally forget to change it from time to to time.

An alternative to all this could be a humidity controlling thermostat which can control both humidifier or dehumidifier according to the weather and RH present outside.Below we have listed some good wifi thermostat with humidity control feature that is easy to set and forget type.

1.)Honeywell YTHX9421R5101WW/U Prestige IAQ Kit with Redlink technology

 

Although this thermostat is not programmable it is a full on solution for your indoor air quality including temperature and humidity.It comes with multiple temperature and humidity wireless sensor that you can install inside or outside home and based on inside and outside reading it will smartly adjust your AC or dehumidifier or Humidifier.It says DIY type but it is recommended to install it through professionals.

Check out Honeywell prestige IAQ kit on Amazon.

Other than that it uses red link technology by Honeywell which is secure and reliable in terms of communication between devices.Here is a video explaining Red link technology.

 

2.)Aprilaire 8620W WiFi Thermostat

Aprilaire is an HVAC manufcacturer that makes humidifiers,dehumidifiers air purifiers,home automation using zoned temperature control and of course thermostats.The above model of Aprilaire thermostat can control both your humidifier and your dehumidifier from the thermostat itself.Along with humidity it also has event based air cleaning and ventilation controls. It has an auto mode which allows you to control humidity hands free.

Temperature we feel is also a affected by humidity so if you can control that with other parameter other than heating and cooling it can lower your energy cost. At least that is what the company claims.In all it is a decent thermostat that allows auto humidity control.

Thermostat can be configured for humidifier or dehumidifier through installer setup and then humidity or dehumidity set point can be set by pressing the humidity control icon or main screen. In auto mode of humidity control you can set it to Off Low,Normal or High and the thermostat will automatically adjust the setpoint according to temperature. In manual mode it will give suggestion of setpoint according to outside temperature and you can directly give the RH set point.

In case of dehumidification it will give current % level of dehumidification. Raise it to make air less dry and lower it to make it more dry. If AC is used for dehumidification it can lower the temperature by upto 3 degree to dehumidify.

Check out more reviews price and ratings of  Aprilaire 8620W WiFi Thermostat on amazon.

 

3.)Venstar T7850 Programmable WiFi Thermostat

 

Venstar is a US based company which exclusively makes thermostats for residential and commercial use and energy management system for small businesses. The above model is T7900 which is only residential model with humidity control humidifier and dehumidifier. It has color touch screen which also allows you to set wallpapers and sd card into the Thermostat.You can add voice control by connecting Alexa device.(only).You set the humidity set point and it will humidify using humidifiers or dehumidify using cooling mode.It also auto adjust recovery time using changing seasonal trend.It calls it smart recovery.Overall its a little pricey but good addition to add to your comfort level.

Click here for more rating reviews and price of Ventar T7850 wifi thermostat on Amazon.

4.)Honeywell TH8321WF1001 vision pro 8000 thermostat

This thermostat also has the ability to control but humidifier or dehumidifier or AC. It uses seperate set point for humidifier and dehumidifier. Although when used in common mode ie Off mode(Niether heat or cool mode) the thermostat may maintain 15 % difference in two set points.

For humidify or dehumidify setpoint-

Touch MENU and select Humidification or Dehumidification

Touch Auto.

Touch up or down key to change set point

Touch Done to save.

To prevent frost or condensation on windows when using humidifier on cooler climate Goto MENU, then select Window Protection. It is son a scale of 1 to 10 with lower number used for lower humidity levels.

NOTE: Window (frost) Protection is only available if thermostat can get outdoor temperature data either from an outdoor installed air sensor or local outdoor weather data through internet connectivity via wifi.

If AC is used to dehumidify it can lower the set point(Over cool) to upto 3 degree to reach the desired temperature.

In commercial use to maintain humidity the AC may
• Over cool from 1° to 5° F below set point.
• Run AC or cooling for the minimum “on” time.
• Run both cooling and heating together dehumidity without lowering the temperature.

It is compatible with upto 3 heat and 2 Cool stages heat pumps with auxiliary heat and 2 heat 2 cool stages most conventional oil, gas, electric steam or gravity boilers even with duel fuel feature.

Additionally The VisionPRO 8000 WiFi Programmable Thermostat features a large touchscreen display for easy control of your home comfort. You can program a schedule for each day or adjust the temperature remotely using the Total Connect Comfort app. It also offers Adaptive Intelligent Recovery and energy-saving scheduling options.

Check out more reviews price and ratings of  Honeywell TH8321WF1001 vision pro 8000 thermostat on Amazon

5.)Ecobee3 4 and 5 smart thermostat

 

Ecobee 3 4 and 5 all have humidity control feature but Ecobee 4 is the middle ground in the whole range of ecobee smart thermostat in terms of price and features.But it has what you need. Note- Ecobee 3 lite do not have this feature. That is ability to control humidifier or dehumidifier It uses its ACC+/ACC-  terminals to control any other accessory other than heating or cooling like humidifiers. To dehumidify you can use AC. In summer month you can adjust humidity by setting the humidity set point and also AC over cool max setting so you don’t over run Ac to lower the humidity.

For winter moths it has a frost control which lowers humidity set point as the outside temperature falls.This prevent frost on windows and save them from damage.

Check out more reviews ratings and price of Ecobee 4 smart thermostat in Amazon.

Here is a video how to set humidity in summer. Setting in winter will go along the similar process and or you can refer your manual.

6.)Nest smart thermostat-When it comes to thermostats we know nest is the market leader. It comes with almost all feature you need in a thermostat. Only drawback is that it is not cheap and maybe not for everybody if you dont need most of its other feature like geofencing etc basically what makes it a smart thermostat.

To connect to humidifier Nest uses single wire from humidifier that connects to the star terminal The other wire from humidifier connect toC terminal of HVAC system.

In Nest controlling humidity after wiring is just as simple as setting the humidity set point and over.You will be done. It will start controlling your AC dehumidifier or humidifier according to your humidity set point.See in this video.

Check out more reviews,price and rating of nest smart thermostat on amazon.

7.)Cielo Breez Plus, Smart Air Conditioner Remote Controller

 

This probably a new entrant into thermostat market is meant only for those who suffer from hot and humid climate.Its is cost effective way of controlling Ac to keep temperature as well as humidity into your desired range.Works with most of the AC brands and models and is also compatible with Alexa and Google assistant. It also has Geofencing. However if you want to control your Furnace or humidifier in winter as well this is totally not the thermostat you need. Other than that it has overall good customer feedback and ratings.

Check out more reviews price ratings of Cielo Breez Plus, Smart Ac thermostat on Amazon.

8.)Honeywell T10 thermostat

Elevate your temperature and humidity control in the most important areas using the T10 or T10+ Pro Smart Thermostat. Gain precise control over your preferred rooms by incorporating Smart Room Sensors and establishing a personalized schedule, or let the sensors adapt to your lifestyle automatically.

Experience the convenience of Auto Home and Away Mode, allowing you to adjust your thermostat from anywhere using your mobile device or enabling your home to respond automatically based on your schedule with geofencing.

Achieve optimal comfort by focusing on multiple rooms with the addition of Smart Room Sensors (sold separately), ensuring temperature regulation precisely where it matters to you.

There is option to control humidity level by using humidifier like steam in colder months or dehumidifier like AC in summer month. There id also a provision of window protection to control frost in the window by selecting a scale ranging from 1 to 10 that indicated how well the windows are insulated.

In using AC as dehumidifier there is a setting to select the over cooling range of temperature from 1 to 5 degree so the temperature can drop from current cool setpoint untill the desired humidity level is reached.

The relative humidity level ranges from 25 % minimum to 80 %.  Prior to 2019 models had minimum 40 % but it updatea automatically to 25 % when connected to wifi and registered in Resideo App.

When you use humidifier and dehumidifier in common mode ie neither heatinh or cooling but off mode the the theremostat automatically add 15 dead band to its humidifier and dehumidifier set point and automatically select humidifier or dehumidifier to control humidity.

When AC is used to control humidity the temperature may fall to 3 degree below set point before desired humidity is reached.

Check out more reviews price ratings of Honeywell T10 thermostat on Amazon.

9.) Emerson Sensi wifi/ smart thermostats

There are four models of sensi that are compatible with humidifier and dehumidifiers in your home. They are

  • 1F87U-42WF (Classic) series
  • ST55 (Smart) all series
  • ST75 (Touch) all series
  • ST76 (Touch 2) all series

To connect the thermostat with humidifiers they have Y2 * that can be used to connect to two stage cooling or humidifier. Similarly to connect to dehumidifier they have W2* that can be used to connect to two stage cooling or dehumidifiers.

It can also dehumidify systems that do not have dehumidifier by using the AC. It can do so by running the AC past your set point by 3 degree to lower the humidity if required.

To set up a the humidity settinggo to Advanced Set Up menu select set up HVAC equipment and press add additional accessories and press yes on wired humidifier or dehumidifier. If you can’t press yes  you have configured to two stage heating/ cool g Go back and change it it 1 stage Heating/ cCooling.

In advance settings

Humidify and
Dehumidify feature controls are also available.
For Humidification
Press Humidifiy.
Toggle the feature on or off. Adjust the set percentage
to using the up/down arrows.

Similarly for dehumidification use press Dehumidify and proceed as above.

Check out more reviews price ratings of Emerson Sensi wifi/ smart thermostats on Amazon

10.)Emerson 1F95-1291 7-Day Touchscreen Thermostat with Humidity Control

It has two terminal Hm connected to humidifier that energies on call for heat if humidity is less than set point to humidify. It also has Dhm that it uses with compatible system with required connection on control module or have a relay installed that can lower the fan speed to dehumidify on call for dehumidification.

 Auto Humidity Reduction (HR) – This feature automatically lowers humidity setting when the outside temperature drops to prevent the interior windows/walls from reaching the dew point preventing water to condense on surfaces.

Automatic Humidification (AH) – This feature if enabled, will energize the humidifier and circulator blower independent of call for heat if the actual humidity is below the set point.

It also has features like cycle humidifier that cycle the humidifier for 10 minutes On to 10 minutes off while the blower and/or furnace is continuously running to lower water usage by 50 %.

It also has prgrammable Dehumidification Optimal Comfort
Mode (OC) or Optimal Dehumidification (Od) mode. In OC mode it lowers humidity when it is above setpoint by 2% but only when call for cooling is required so uses less energy.

While Od mode is same as OC except it does not wait for call for cooing so consumes more energy. It can also over col by 30 degrees.

Other Features of the product include:

  1. Spacious 12-inch touchscreen display, providing a large and user-friendly interface.
  2. A programmable thermostat with a 7-day capability, enabling you to customize unique schedules for each day of the week.
  3. Wide-ranging compatibility with various heating, cooling, and heat-pump systems, ensuring it works seamlessly with most setups.
  4. Keypad lockout feature for enhanced security and control, preventing unauthorized access and changes.

Check out more reviews price ratings of Emerson 1F95-1291 7-Day Touchscreen Thermostat on Amazon

11.) Bosch bcc100 smart thermostat

This thermostat has an option to connect to one accessory either humidifier or dehumidifier.

To do that connect the control wire of accessory to the H/DH terminal of wall plate.

You can configure the thermostat to auto humidity control if you correctly wire the humidifier or dehumidifier and configure it in initial setup. Based on that the thermostat will turn on humidifier on heating and dehumidifier on cooling. You can also configure it it work as humidistat which works independent of heating or cooling call.

If the external accessory connected is humidifier you can configure the thermostat to “Cool to dehumidify” so that the cooling device over cool within permissible degree below setpoint or “Hot gas reheat” mode to dehumidify the air and yet maintain temperature.

Note- The HVAC equipment must include this feature for the thermostat to work.

The new updates in model enable it to use for evaporation and steam type external humidifiers.

It supports Conventional (Gas, Oil, Electric) and up to 4 Heat / 2 Cool heat Pump including duel fuel systems.

It is compatible with Amazon Alexa voice commands but not with other home automation system. it also does not have IFTT or geofencing.

It has 5 inch sleek design and touch screen options ans is programmable using phone App.

Check out more reviews price ratings of Bosch bcc100 smart thermostat on Amazon

12.)Wyze smart thermostat

This wifi thermostat comes also has humidity control. It is quite popular smart thermostat because of its affordability and smart features like geofencing 3 in 1 smart remote sensors that monitors temperature, humidity and motion and AI learning capabilities though to give energy saving tips. It can interact  with  Wyze devices like Wyze Cam V3, Wyze Lock, Wyze Plug and Wyze Cam Floodlight.So it makes a perfect choice if you already have these devices installed.

It has ACC+/ACC terminals to connect a humidifier or dehumidifier.

Thermostat can be configured to one of the four accessories Humidifier, Dehumidifier, Ventilator and Emergency heat by turning the dial and pressing the button to make choices in initial set up.

To configure dehumidifier:

Select

1.Cooling: For Dehumidifier to run only when the cooling stage is active and humidity is above the desired range.

2.Fan:To Run the Fan when  humidifier is On.

3.Energize:Active on or Active off.

To configure humidifier:

Select

1.Fan: To runs the fan when the humidifier is On

2.Heating: To run Humidifier only  when the heating stage is active and the humidity is below the desired level.

To set humidity set point go to Settings>Humidity preference and set desired level of humidity.

Check out more reviews price ratings of Wyze smart thermostat on Amazon

 

Best thermostats for heat pumps: Smart, Wifi, Programmable and set back

In modern heating and cooling systems, thermostats play a crucial role in maintaining optimal comfort levels while efficiently managing energy consumption. When it comes to heat pumps, a specialized type of HVAC system, thermostats are essential components that ensure the system operates effectively and provides both heating and cooling capabilities.

A heat pump is a device that uses a small amount of energy to transfer heat from one location to another, either by extracting heat from the outside air (air-source heat pump) or from the ground (ground-source heat pump). It can reverse its operation to provide both heating and cooling, making it a versatile and energy-efficient option for maintaining indoor comfort.

The thermostat acts as the control center for the heat pump, allowing users to set desired temperature levels and switch between heating and cooling modes. It communicates with the heat pump unit, sending signals to activate or deactivate the system based on the temperature readings in the surrounding environment.

Thermostats for heat pumps are specifically designed to accommodate the unique characteristics and requirements of these systems. They incorporate advanced features and algorithms to optimize energy efficiency and maintain precise temperature control. Some of the key features of thermostats for heat pumps include:

  1. Dual-Mode Operation: Heat pumps require a thermostat that can accommodate both heating and cooling modes. The thermostat allows users to switch between modes easily, ensuring the system operates in the desired mode based on the indoor temperature requirements.
  2. Heat Pump Compatibility: Thermostats are designed to work seamlessly with heat pumps, providing compatibility with the system’s wiring and control protocols. This ensures smooth communication between the thermostat and the heat pump unit.
  3. Programmable Settings: Many thermostats for heat pumps offer programmable settings, allowing users to create personalized schedules for temperature adjustments throughout the day. This feature helps optimize energy usage by adjusting temperatures based on occupancy patterns.
  4. Smart Thermostat Capabilities: With the advent of smart home technology, thermostats for heat pumps have become even more advanced. Smart thermostats offer Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling remote control via smartphone apps and integration with voice assistants. They also provide energy usage data, allowing users to monitor and manage their energy consumption more effectively.
  5. Energy Efficiency Optimization: Thermostats for heat pumps incorporate algorithms and features designed to maximize energy efficiency. They can intelligently adapt to changing conditions, adjusting temperature setpoints and cycling patterns to minimize energy waste while maintaining comfort levels.

How heat pump works

A heat pump is a device that can be used for both heating and cooling purposes. It works by transferring heat from one location to another using a refrigeration cycle. Here’s a simplified explanation of how a heat pump functions:

  1. Evaporation: The process starts with a refrigerant, a fluid with low boiling point, entering the evaporator coil located outside the building. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, causing it to evaporate and turn into a gas.
  2. Compression: The gaseous refrigerant is then compressed by a compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure. This process requires energy input.
  3. Condensation: The high-pressure, high-temperature gas then moves to the condenser coil inside the building. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser, it releases heat to the indoor environment, causing it to condense back into a liquid.
  4. Expansion: The liquid refrigerant then flows through an expansion valve or a metering device, which reduces its pressure. This pressure drop causes the refrigerant to cool down significantly.
  5. Repeating the cycle: The cool liquid refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil to repeat the cycle. It absorbs heat from the outside air again, and the process continues as long as the heat pump is operating.

During the heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air (even at low temperatures) and transfers it inside the building. In the cooling mode, the process is reversed, with the heat pump extracting heat from inside and releasing it to the outside, thereby cooling the indoor environment.

It’s important to note that heat pumps are most efficient in moderate climates, where the temperature differential between indoors and outdoors is not extreme. In colder climates, supplemental heating may be required. Additionally, some heat pumps can also extract heat from the ground or water sources, such as geothermal heat pumps, providing even more efficient heating and cooling options.

Thermostat for heat pump: Buying guide

When choosing the best heat pump thermostat, there are several factors to consider. Here are some important considerations to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Compatibility: Ensure that the thermostat you choose is compatible with your specific heat pump system. Heat pumps can have different configurations, such as single-stage, multi-stage, or variable speed. Check the thermostat specifications to confirm compatibility with your heat pump’s wiring and control requirements.

To determine the compatibility of a thermostat model with heat pumps, a convenient method is to check its wiring labels. If the thermostat has the O/B label, it indicates compatibility with heat pumps. On the other hand, if the thermostat has both the O/B and AUX/E labels, it signifies compatibility with heat pumps that have auxiliary heating functionality.

  1. Heating and Cooling Modes: Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, so your thermostat should have the capability to control both modes effectively. Look for a thermostat that offers separate programming and settings for heating and cooling, allowing you to optimize comfort and energy efficiency for each mode.
  2. Programmable vs. Non-programmable: Consider whether you want a programmable or non-programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to set temperature schedules for different times of the day or week, enabling energy-saving setbacks when you’re away or asleep. Non-programmable thermostats, on the other hand, provide manual temperature control without scheduling options.
  3. Energy Efficiency Features: Look for energy-saving features like temperature setbacks, adaptive recovery, and smart learning capabilities. These features can help optimize energy usage and reduce heating and cooling costs over time. Some thermostats also display energy consumption information, allowing you to monitor and track your energy usage.
  4. User Interface: Consider the user interface and ease of use. Look for a thermostat with clear and intuitive controls, a backlit display for easy reading, and simple programming options. Some thermostats also offer Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps for remote control and monitoring.
  5. Additional Features: Depending on your preferences and needs, you may want to consider additional features such as humidity control, air filter change reminders, and compatibility with home automation systems like Alexa or Google Home.
  6. Budget: Determine your budget for a thermostat and consider the features and functionality you value most. Thermostats can range from basic models to advanced, feature-rich options. Consider the long-term energy savings potential when evaluating the cost.
  7. Installation: Lastly, consider the installation process. Some thermostats are designed for DIY installation, while others may require professional installation. Ensure that you’re comfortable with the installation requirements or budget for professional help if needed.
Thermostat for Heat Pumps with Aux/Emergency Heating

When selecting a thermostat for a heat pump with auxiliary (Aux) or emergency heating, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind. Here’s what you should look for:

  1. Heat Pump Compatibility: Ensure that the thermostat you choose is specifically compatible with heat pumps with auxiliary or emergency heating systems. Not all thermostats are designed to handle the unique wiring and control requirements of these systems.
  2. Two-Stage or Multi-Stage Heating: Heat pumps with auxiliary heating often operate in multiple stages. The primary heat source is the heat pump itself, and the auxiliary heat, such as electric resistance coils, kicks in when additional heating is required. Look for a thermostat that supports two-stage or multi-stage heating to effectively control both the heat pump and the auxiliary heat.
  3. Heat Pump Balance Control: Some advanced thermostats offer heat pump balance control, also known as dual-fuel balance control. This feature ensures optimal energy efficiency by automatically adjusting the balance between the heat pump and the auxiliary heat based on factors like outdoor temperature. It helps minimize the use of more expensive auxiliary heat when the heat pump can handle the heating demand efficiently.
  4. Emergency Heat Mode: The thermostat should have a dedicated emergency heat mode. In this mode, the thermostat bypasses the heat pump completely and activates the auxiliary heat source to provide maximum heating output. It’s crucial to have easy access to emergency heat mode in case of a heat pump failure or when you need immediate and powerful heating.
  5. Intelligent Control Algorithms: Look for thermostats with intelligent control algorithms specifically designed for heat pumps with auxiliary heating. These algorithms optimize the transition between heat pump and auxiliary heat operation, ensuring smooth and efficient heating performance while minimizing energy consumption.
  6. Smart Thermostat Features: Consider whether you want a smart thermostat with Wi-Fi connectivity and advanced features like remote control, scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with smart home systems. Smart thermostats offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to control and monitor your heating system from anywhere.
  7. Heat Pump Defrost Control: Heat pumps require occasional defrost cycles to remove ice buildup on the outdoor unit. Some thermostats have defrost control features that can optimize the defrost cycles, ensuring efficient operation and preventing unnecessary use of auxiliary heat during defrosting.

It’s advisable to consult the manufacturer’s specifications and documentation to confirm the compatibility of the thermostat with your specific heat pump system and auxiliary heating setup. Additionally, professional installation may be recommended for complex systems or if you’re unsure about the wiring requirements.

Smart heat pump thermostat

Nest 3rd generation thermostat

The Nest 3rd Generation thermostat is our top recommendation for a heat pump smart thermostat. The Nest 3rd Generation thermostat can accommodate up to 2 stages of heating and cooling, incorporating the use of auxiliary heat and also system with duel fuel capabilities.

One notable feature of the Nest 3rd Generation thermostat is its intelligent management of the auxiliary heat system. It activates the auxiliary heat only when necessary, such as when the outside temperature drops below the aux heat lockout temperature. By default, the thermostat employs the heat pump balance function, which automatically determines the appropriate aux heat lockout temperature. This ensures efficient use of the auxiliary heat while maintaining optimal comfort.

As a self-learning thermostat, the Nest 3rd Generation model quickly adapts to your living habits and schedules. Within 7 to 10 days of installation, it analyzes your patterns and programs itself accordingly, aiming to provide maximum energy savings. This feature simplifies the thermostat’s operation and helps optimize comfort and efficiency in your home.

Here are some of the other features commonly associated with the Nest 3rd generation thermostat:

  1. Learning Capability: One of the standout features of Nest thermostats is their ability to learn and adapt to your preferences and schedule. The 3rd generation Nest thermostat can learn your temperature preferences over time and create a personalized schedule based on your usage patterns.
  2. Auto-Schedule: With the Auto-Schedule feature, the Nest thermostat learns your daily routine and adjusts the temperature accordingly. It can detect when you leave the house and automatically set itself to an energy-saving temperature to help reduce energy consumption.
  3. It provides energy usage reports and tips on how to optimize your heating and cooling settings for maximum efficiency.
  4. Compatibility: Nest thermostats, including the 3rd generation model, are compatible with a wide range of heating and cooling systems, including gas, electric, forced air, heat pump, and radiant systems. They can also integrate with other smart home devices and platforms.
  5. Sensors and Proximity Detection: The Nest 3rd generation thermostat is equipped with various sensors, including temperature, humidity, and occupancy sensors. These sensors help the thermostat optimize energy usage and detect when you’re at home or away.
  6. Compatibility with Voice Assistants: The Nest 3rd generation thermostat works seamlessly with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

Nest also has a budget friendly option for heat pump namely Nest E . But it is important to note that it will not work with

Single stage heat pump with separate two stage furnace heating (Dual fuel) 

Two stage heat pump with or without AUX heat

Two stage heat pump with separate two stage furnace heating (Dual fuel) 

Ecobee 4 thermostat

The Ecobee 4 is a feature-rich smart thermostat model that offers extensive compatibility options. It supports heat pumps with 4 stages of heating and 2 stages of cooling (4H/2C), providing precise control over temperature regulation. Additionally, the Ecobee 4 is also compatible with heat pumps that have auxiliary or emergency heating, offering 2 stages of aux heating.

One notable aspect of the Ecobee 4 is its support for accessories commonly associated with heat pump systems. This includes compatibility with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilators, Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV), and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV).

Here are some other features of the ecobee4 thermostat:

  1. Energy Savings: The ecobee4 thermostat helps homeowners save up to 23% annually on heating or cooling costs compared to a hold temperature of 72 degrees. It is designed to optimize energy usage and reduce utility bills.
  2. Room Sensors: The ecobee4 comes with one Room Sensor included, and additional sensors can be purchased separately. These sensors measure occupancy and temperature, allowing the thermostat to adjust the temperature and mode based on the rooms that matter the most.
  3. The Power Extender Kit is provided for homes without a common wire (C-wire).
  4. Voice Control with Built-in Alexa: The ecobee4 thermostat has built-in Alexa voice control. Users can control the thermostat, ask for information, play music, set timers, and perform various other tasks using voice commands. The built-in Alexa integration eliminates the need for a separate smart speaker device.
  5.  It can work with popular smart home platforms like Apple Homekit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and more.

Honeywell RTH9580WF

The RTH9580WF model is compatible with both Heat Pumps and Heat pumps with Aux/Emergency heating. It can support up to 2 stages of heating, providing flexibility in controlling temperature settings. For cooling, the thermostat has a default “cooling changeover valve” mode, which can be adjusted as needed (for more information, refer to the installation manual).

In terms of Aux/Emergency Heat, Honeywell thermostats refer to it as “backup heat” in their software. To properly utilize this feature, you need to connect the Aux/E wires from your heat pump to the W2-Aux/E terminal on the Honeywell thermostat. By connecting these wires, the backup heat mode will be activated in the thermostat’s software.

If your heat pump has separate wires labeled Aux and E, you should connect them together and then attach them to the W2-Aux/E terminal of the thermostat (RTH9580WF).

Note-Not a self learning or auto scheduling thermostat like Nest

Here are other features of Honeywell’s thermostat:

  1. Personalized Design: The Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Color Programmable Thermostat allows you to customize its appearance to match your home décor, offering a personalized touch.
  2. Auto Changeover: The thermostat features an auto changeover feature that automatically selects heating or cooling mode based on the indoor temperature. The thermostat ensures a minimum 3-degree separation between heating and cooling settings.
  3. Customers may enroll in their local utility’s “Demand Response Program,” allowing slight adjustments to temperature settings during high energy demand periods and earning rewards for participation.
  4. Compatibility: The Honeywell thermostat is compatible with forced air systems (gas, oil, or electric), hot water and steam systems, and heat pumps with electric backup. However, it does not work with electric baseboard heat (120-240V). A C-Wire (common wire) is required for installation.
  5.  It provides monthly energy reports to help you track your heating and cooling usage and offers personalized tips on reducing energy consumption.

Wifi enabled heat pump thermostat

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat

The Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat offers extensive compatibility with various heating, cooling, and heat pump systems. For heat pump systems, it supports up to four stages of heating and two stages of cooling, whether with or without auxiliary heat. In addition, it is compatible with gas, electric, oil systems, as well as millivolt applications, providing versatility in compatibility.

The Emerson Sensi thermostat is highly compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems. However, it’s important to note that for heat-only, cool-only, and heat pump systems without auxiliary heating, the presence of a C wire is required.

Note that it does not have auto schedule unlike Nest or Ecobee.

Other features of Emerson sensi smart wifi thermostat are:

  1. Supports Geofensing and 7 day programming feature. 
  2. Easy DIY Installation: The thermostat is designed for simple do-it-yourself installation.
  3. It is compatible with most HVAC equipment found in homes, although a common wire (c-wire) is required.
  4. Energy Savings: The Sensi smart thermostat is ENERGY STAR-certified and helps users save about 23% on HVAC energy costs. It achieves this through features like flexible scheduling, remote access, and usage reports, allowing for optimized energy usage and efficiency
  5. Smart Maintenance: With the Sensi thermostat, users can monitor the performance and efficiency of their HVAC system. The thermostat delivers valuable usage reports, alerts about equipment status, and maintenance reminders such as filter replacements. This helps users maintain their HVAC system in optimal condition.

Honeywell T9 and T10

Honeywell T9

The T9 thermostat is a versatile heating and cooling system that supports heat pumps with electric auxiliary heat of upto 2 heating stages and 2 cooling stages. However, it is not compatible with electric baseboard heat (120-240V).

To ensure stable operation, the T9 thermostat typically requires a C-wire (common wire) for power. It’s recommended to check if your home’s heating and cooling system has a C-wire or if you need a power adapter before purchasing the T9 thermostat.

The T9 thermostat comes with everything you need in the box, including a power adapter for compatibility with most homes. It is designed for easy installation and setup, and it automatically detects and identifies your home’s heating and cooling system type, making it user-friendly for DIY installation.

Using the T9 thermostat can help you save energy. Additionally, eligible customers may have the opportunity to enroll in their local utility’s “Demand Response Program,” which rewards you for allowing slight adjustments to your AC or furnace temperature settings during high energy demand periods.

The T9 thermostat is also compatible with various smart home platforms, including IFTTT, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, iOS, and Android. This enables you to control and manage your thermostat through voice commands or integrated smart home systems.

Honeywell T10

The upgraded Honeywell thermostat T10 have same compatibility with heat pumps but boasts several additional features. It has the capability to handle dual fuel systems, accommodating combinations such as gas and diesel, or a gas furnace and heat pump.

Furthermore, the T10 thermostat offers precise control over humidity levels and ventilation, providing users with enhanced comfort and environmental management.

Honeywell RTH6580WF thermostat

The Honeywell RET97E5D1005/U thermostat is compatible with heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps. However, it is not designed to work  with electric baseboard heating operating at 120-240 volts.

The Honeywell TH6320WF1005 thermostat is compatible with 2Heat/2Cool heat pumps and 2Heat/2Cool conventional systems. A C-wire is required for proper operation and compatibility.

Other features include:

  1. Universal Compatibility: The thermostat is designed to be universally compatible with various heating and cooling systems, ensuring it can be used with a wide range of HVAC setups.
  2. The thermostat comes pre-programmed with an energy savings schedule, but can also be configured to meet specific scheduling requirements
  3. Smart Response Technology: The thermostat utilizes Smart Response Technology, which learns and adapts to pre-heat or pre-cool your home to reach the desired temperature at the programmed times.
  4. Auto Changeover: The thermostat has an auto changeover feature, which automatically switches between heating and cooling modes based on the temperature requirements of the programmed schedule.
  5. Hold Options: The thermostat offers both permanent and temporary hold options.
  6. It can automatically downloads software updates, ensuring it stays up to date with the latest features and improvements.
  7. Alerts and Weather Information: The thermostat provides alerts for high/low temperature and loss of connection to the network. It also allows users to view local weather information for added convenience.
  8. Total Connect Comfort App: Honeywell’s reliable and highly-rated Total Connect Comfort app offers remote monitoring and management of the home’s comfort and energy usage.

Bosch Connected Control Wi-Fi Thermostat

The Bosch Connected Control Wi-Fi Thermostat offers compatibility with a wide range of HVAC systems. It can be used with Heat Pump systems that have up to 4 heating stages and 2 cooling stages, as well as Conventional systems with 2 heating stages and 2 cooling stages. Additionally, it supports the integration of any 1-wire internally powered humidifier or dehumidifier.

Note-While it’s is compatible with Alexa voice it in not compatible wih other Home automation and does not have Geofencing or IFTT.

Here are some other features of the thermostat:

  1.  It allows for easy scheduling and adjustment of temperature settings.
  2. The thermostat offers updates that enable control of both evaporation and steam type external humidifier accessories. It also includes features like hot gas reheat and cool to dehumidify capabilities. Additionally, it is now compatible with Dual Fuel systems, which are HVAC systems that use both gas and electric power.
  3. C-Wire Required: To power the thermostat, a C-wire (common wire) is required. In cases where a C-wire is not available, you can get third-party aftermarket products that provide alternative power to the thermostat.

Honeywell TH9320WF5003 WiFi 9000

The thermostat is designed to be compatible with heat pump systems with up to 3 heat stages and 2 cool stages, as well as conventional systems with up to 2 heat stages and 2 cool stages.

Here are the features of the WiFi 9000 Color Touchscreen Thermostat:

  1. Customizable Display: The thermostat’s display is customizable, allowing you to personalize it to match your home decor. It provides clear information about indoor and outdoor temperatures, as well as humidity levels.
  2. Primary Resideo App: .This app allows you to monitor and adjust heating and cooling usage, keep track of indoor humidity levels, and receive email alerts related to safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. The app is compatible with a wide range of popular connected devices.

Emerson sensi touch wifi thermostat

The Emerson Sensi Touch thermostat goes beyond heat pumps and extends its compatibility to gas, oil, geothermal, radiant heat systems, and more. It supports up to four stages of heating and two stages of cooling, accommodating a wide range of heating and cooling configurations.

Here are some of its features

  1. :The Sensi Multiple Thermostat Manager allows you to remotely monitor and control all your Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostats from one intuitive portal.
  2. Easy Installation and Setup: Installing your Sensi thermostats is made simple with the step-by-step instructions provided in the free mobile app. Once installed, you can easily sign up for the Sensi Multiple Thermostat Manager on their website, offering monthly and yearly subscription plans.
  3. The Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat seamlessly integrates with popular smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Wink.
  4. With Sensi Manager, you can create and manage multiple thermostat groups within a single portal. This feature allows you to conveniently update and adjust settings for multiple thermostats simultaneously, including temperature, scheduling, keypad lockout, fan control, mode, and setpoints.
  5.  It has energy-saving features like remote access, flexible scheduling, and geofencing (available on the thermostat). You can also enable smart alerts to receive notifications of extreme temperature or humidity levels.

Programmable non wifi heat pump thermostat

Emerson UP310 thermostat

The Emerson UP310 thermostat is designed to be compatible with heating, cooling, and heat pump systems. Specifically, for heat pump systems, it supports up to four stages of heating and two stages of cooling with or without auxillary heat.

Other features of the Emerson UP310 programmable thermostat:

  1. 7-Day Scheduling: This thermostat allows you to set 7 different heating and cooling schedules, one for each day of the week.
  2.  The thermostat features a large and easy-to-read display with backlighting.
  3. The Easy DIY Install Wizard guides you through the installation process, setup, and programming in just minutes.
  4. With a precision temperature accuracy of 1 degree, this thermostat allows you to maintain precise control over your home’s temperature.
  5.  The thermostat is compatible with a wide range of heating, cooling, and heat pump systems.

Honeywell T5 RTH8560D

This Thermostat is compatible with upto two stage heating and cooling heat pumps with auxillary and other convention HVAC systems.

It is non wifi thermostat with adjustable number of cycles per hour. It has crystal clear display nd bright backlight of blue color.

It can give a indoor temperature as well as humidity reading. You can program it for each day, entire week or over the weekend.

It can automatically change from heating to cooling as an when required according to the setpoint and ambient temperature.

Like most Honeywell thermostat it lers your heating nd cooling times to set to set the temperature accurately at required time. You can get this Thermostat for bout $75 on Amazon.

With all above features identical there are other models with only difference in the number programming option and number of heating or cooling stages they are

Honeywell TH4110U2005/U T4 Pro 

7, 5-2, 5-1-1  days programmable and single stage heating and cooling with auxillary heat.

Honeywell RTH6360D1002

5-2 days programmable with 2 stage heat and 1stage cool for heat pump and 2heat/ 2 cool for conventional. Does not have adjustable cycles per hour.

Honeywell RTH7600D

7 days programmable and 2 stage heating and cooling compatibility. Doest not have adjustable cycles per hour.

Honeywell RTH2300B1012

The thermostat is designed to be compatible with single stage heating, cooling, and heat pump systems that do not require auxiliary heat.  Also it is not compatible with electric baseboard heating.

The main selling point is that it is very cheap compared to above programmable thermostats.

Other features includes

  • Customizable Programming: Set one program for weekdays and another program for weekends with four programmable periods per day (wake, leave, return, sleep).
  • Backlit Digital Display: The display is equipped with a backlight for easy viewing, even in low-light conditions.
  • Precise Temperature Control: Maintains a consistent comfort level with an accuracy of +/-1 degree Fahrenheit, ensuring precise temperature control.

Emerson 1F83H-21PR


The thermostat is specifically designed to be compatible with Heat Pump systems that have 2 heating stages and 1 cooling stage. However, it is not suitable for use with electric baseboard heating systems or certain other HVAC systems.

  • Big, Clear Display: The thermostat features a large and clear display that can be easily read, even in low lighting conditions.
  • Selectable Programming: Choose between three programming options – 7-day, 5-1-1, or off – to customize your thermostat settings based on your weekly schedule.
  • Easy Installation: The thermostat is designed for easy installation with a built-in level indicator, pluggable terminals, and a streamlined configuration menu.
  • Advanced Features: such as keypad lock for security, temperature limits for controlled heating/cooling, and a backlight button for enhanced visibility.
  • Dual Fuel Standard: The thermostat supports dual fuel systems without the need for additional sensors.

Orbit Thermostat

Compatible with single stage heat pumps without auxillary.

Not compatible with baseboard heaters, multi-stage heating or cooling systems, or 3-wire hydronic systems.

  • It has a large display with a warm backlight, making it easy to view even from across the room.
  • Early Start Mode: The thermostat has an early start mode that ensures the desired temperature is reached by the programmed time.
  • 7-Day Programmability: You can program each day individually with up to 4 programming periods, allowing for customized temperature settings throughout the week.
  •  It also has both permanent and temporary hold modes for added convenience.
  •  The thermostat provides accurate temperature readings with a precision of +/- 1 degree Fahrenheit and Celsius, ensuring consistent control over your home’s temperature.
  • Versatile Compatibility: This thermostat is compatible with various heating and cooling systems, including gas, oil, or electric furnaces, central air conditioners, 2-wire hot water systems, millivolt systems, central heating and cooling systems, and heat pumps without auxiliary/backup heat.

Lux TX9600TS thermostat

The Lux Products TX9600TS thermostat is designed to be compatible 1 or 2 stage Heat / 1 stage Cool: Heat Pump systems

It is not compatible with 120/240 VAC line-voltage systems (without a transformer), 

  • Easy-to-Read Touchscreen: The thermostat features a large, lighted touchscreen display, making it easy to read and navigate the settings for comfortable temperature control.
  • Highly Compatible:In addition to heat pumps it is also  compatible with
  • Most 24-volt heating and cooling systems
    • 1 or 2 stage Heat / 1 stage Cool: Gas, Oil or Electric systems
    • 3-wire hydronic (hot water) zone valves
    • Gas Millivolt heaters
  • Comfort Control: Choose between 2 or 4 periods per day for personalized temperature programming. Additionally, the programmable touch pad lockout prevents unauthorized users from adjusting the settings, maintaining consistent comfort levels.
  • Temperature Limits: heating and cooling temperature limits to stay within your desired comfort range.
  • Flexible Programming: Enjoy the flexibility of 7-day or 5/2-day temperature programming options.

Non programmable heat pump thermostat

Honeywell TH5110D1006

The Honeywell TH5110D1006 thermostat is specifically designed for compatibility with 1 heat/1 cool conventional systems and heat pumps that do not require an auxiliary heat source.

  • Large crystal-clear backlit display for easy reading
  • Precise comfort control with accurate temperature control of +/-1°F
  • Simple push-button controls for easy operation
  • Auto Change feature for seamless transition from heat to cool
  • Soft-touch keys for a comfortable user experience
  • Display shows both room temperature and set temperature
  • Retains set point in memory during power outages
  • Temperature range stops for heating and cooling settings
  • Angled thermostat design for easy installation
  • Suitable for DIY installation.

Honeywell RTH5100B 1025

The Honeywell RTH5100B 1025 Deluxe Manual Thermostat is a versatile option as it is compatible with all central heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps that do not require an auxiliary heat source. 

    • The thermostat provides easy operation with a simple push of a button, delivering maximum comfort for any home.
    • Accurate Temperature Control: It offers precise comfort control with accurate temperature control of +/-1° F for consistent comfort.
    • Auto change from heat to cool and retains the set point in memory during power outages.
    • Temperature Range Stops: It has temperature range stops of 40º to 89º F for heating and 51º to 99º F for cooling.
    • Easy Installation: It offers DIY installation.

Adjustable cycle rate differential thermostats

In modern days where automation has reached the residential and is no longer the norm of only industries and factories there are certain terms or technical jargon that people still struggle with.

Basically automation is  part of a subject called control systems. The idea is that you have a control parameter(in our case temperature) and and the set point we want the temperature to be. The work of thermostat is to check the difference between the measured temperature and set point and control the fan or your heating and cooling system to adjust the temperature.

The thermostat is analogous to P+I (in parallel) controller used in commercial temperature controllers. P stands for proportionate I stands for integrate. P part of controller increases output directly proportionate to the difference between set point and actual temperature, while I affect the rate of change of its output proportional to its input by taking into account time duration of error signal(Set point – Actual temperature) to adjust the next switch on and off time accordingly and basically prevent offset error(final range of temperature swing in stable condition). Offset error is high if only P control is used.

 

 

The PI controller is subset of more sophisticated PID controller where D stands for derivative. P alone produce large offset or steady state error. It also increases maximum overshoot of system. So I part which produces output rate of change proportional to error is used which reduces this steady state error and bring the system to exact set point but I alone of controller can make system unstable and slow (Toggling for longer time.)

So a derivative function is added to make it stable and improve the transient response(reduce overshoot and undershoot and response time). It is anticipatory meaning it anticipates error and is used to limit over and under shooting of parameter. The main disadvantage is that it never reduce steady state error and produce saturation effect and amplify noise signals. Also since house thermostat are ON/OFF, rather than continuous type controllers D is generally not required.

Note-PID control for is overkill and is not used for house thermostat as it provides continuous or analog time changing (modulation) of heating or cooling capabilities.

Dead Band or Noise margin.

It is a differential also called hysteresis which is included in control system to account for noise or small temperature swing.

The above loop is shows there is +T and -T margin for temperature to swing beyond or below which the output changes. This is done to account for noise and other factors not in control that may change sensed temperature of thermostat. The work of thermostat is to adjust cph to keep temperature in this range of temperature near set point. Higher differential will result in less cph and vice versa.

That is why you may not notice HVAC instruments switching on or off in decimal temperature changes because your thermostat is +-1,2 or 3 differential temperature rated.

The noise may look like below(Graphical representation)

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As you can see using margin for noise etc leads to less unwanted toggling(On/Off) of HVAC instruments.

Why does your thermostat over cycle or cycles frequently.

First understand what is cycling. Cycling is a process of thermostat(temperature controller) to keep the HVAC instrument(ex-AC in summer, Furnace in winter) on and then off for a period of time so as to maximize efficiency. One such period is one cycle.

Why Frequent cycling should be avoided. Frequent switching is damaging to furnace or AC(specially compressor of AC) components due to constant wear and tear in the process. Also it may cost you money because a furnace or AC is more efficient if it is running continuously. It requires some time to build up that efficiency. So if it is switching on/off most of the time it is running predominantly on low efficiency.

Frequent cycling may be because of two reasons.

1.)Your thermostat is sensing some noise signal, like from an air coming through the hole behind the thermostat or air vents, windows, doors etc. To remove that make sure the hole behind the thermostat is properly sealed and no air draft is affecting the thermostat.

2.)Second is because of your boiler or ac system not responding as quickly as desired. So taking into account the “time  error” the I part of thermostat controller increase output which in turn increases cycle rate to keep temperature at required set point. Another reason may be that your boiler or Ac is over efficient and delivers heat or cooling faster than required resulting in frequent over shooting  as can seen in above diagram. To tackle this you must install a proper sized furnace or AC in the first place after consulting your HVAC person.

If no such option are left you can opt for an adjustable cycle rate differential thermostat.

1.)Honeywell thermostat cycle rate adjustment9

Honeywell thermostats do not come with adjustable temperature differential. It is fixed to +- 1 degree F but with some of the models you can adjust the number of cycles for heating(Winter) or cooling(Summer). After you change the cph(cycles per hour) it may take few hours to adjust because the thermostat has to learn the heating or cooling times so that the temperature is as close to set point as possible.

If you refer to Honeywell thermostat manual it states how you can change the cycles per hour rate using program buttons. It also tells how many cph is recommended for various type of system. Here is a  picture of what to find it in the manual.

Some Honeywell thermostat that have adjustable cycle per hour are

HONEYWELL RTH8560D T5 touch screen

and

HONEYWELL  T4 pro TH4110U2005

You can check manual of the model here before buying – honeywellmanual.com

2.)Wyze smart thermostat 

If you want a smart thermostat with adjustable differential temperature  at an affordable price this thermostat is for you. It comes smart features like AI learning of schedules, smart remote sensors and other Wyze devices like Wyze camera, lock, plug etc compatiblity, geofencing only at a fraction of the cost compared to other smart thermostat in about 70 dollars.

It has a default temperature differential of +-1 degree. But you can change from +-0.5 to +- 2 degrees by going to Settings>System>Differential Temp.

It also has a Minimum Runtime feature that prevent short cycling of compressor by waiting a minimum amount of time before restarting. The default is 5 minutes but can be changed from 2 to 8 minutes.by going to Settings>System>Minimum Runtime. The thermostat will show Cool on for AC or Heat on if you have heat pump during the brief waiting period.

Check out more details,price,reviews and ratings of Wyze smart thermostat

3.)Lux thermostat-

If you looking for a cheap thermostat because you want to control your hvac short cycling issue. All lux thermostat have a differential setting upto +-3 with increments of 0.25 degree F. In these type of thermostat if you system is short cycling just increase the differential temperature and you would be ok.

One Good model of Lux Thermostat Program 7 day with selectable smart recovery, universal compatibility.

4.)Robertshaw thermostat-

Robertshaw offer many programmable and non programmable thermostat. All comes with differential setting of 0.2 to 2 degree F for first stage of system. There is also a second stage differential. When first stage cannot keep the desired set point for more than set timer(20 minutes default)  and the temperature difference is more than sum of  first and second stage differential the second stage system gets on to lower the load on first stage.

For ex if set differential is 0.5 and set temperature is 70 degree and the first stage heating will come at 69.5 degree second heating will come at 69. If there is a third stage it will come at 68.5 degree.

It also has adjustable minimum time( maximum 5 minutes) delay for compressor ON/OFF to prevent short cycling in cooling mode.

Two good models of Robertshaw programmable thermostat are

Robertshaw RS10420T Pro Series 7-Day Wi-Fi Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat

Robertshaw RS9320T Pro Series Programmable  Thermostat, Multi-Stage, 3 Heat, 2 Cool

5.) Venstar thermostat

Venstar designs beautiful color screen wifi thermostats. But main feature is that it allows differential temperature of upto 0-6 degree F. Also if the thermostat is designed for two or more stage heating/cooling the it allows differential temperature changes for second stage as well. A timer or time lag is introduced between activation of first and second stage systems and similarly for higher stages. The differential setting is referenced as dead band in its manuals.

You can also limit the cycles per hour in Venstar thermostat which will limit the number of time your HVAC system.

Venstar T1050 5/2 Day Programmable thermostat

Venstar T1700 1-Day programmable thermostat 

It has dead band of 1-6 degree for first stage and 0-10 for second and third stage with adjustable timer between stages.

6.)Ecobee smart thermostat-

If you want to go for smart thermostat though i don’t really recommend unless you need it for other than the frequent cycle differential settings. Ecobee is the only thermostat that offers differential spread of 1-3 degree F. All other factors considered it is excellent investment in terms of ts smart features and operation like geofencing and auto adjust using humidity and temperature sensor that you can place any where across the room.

Check out ecobee3 lite Smart Thermostat on amazon.

7.)Emerson Thermostat

Emerson offers thermostat with adjustable cycle rate

Emerson thermostat do not comes with differential spread but offer to change cycle rate as slow , medium  or fast from the app.

Slow is suited for hot water boiler steam heating

Medium for Ducted heating/cooling and for most accurate control choose fast.

Emerson 1F83C-11PR Conventional programmable thermostat

8.)White rogers-

White rogers which a brand owned by Emerson also has a two option SL anf FA for slow and fast cycles per hour for heating only.If after changing the cph to FA or SL optimum cph is not achieved contact local service person. Cooling cycle rate is not adjustable and is fixed.

White-Rodgers 1F80-361

9.)Pro1 IAQ thermostats

This is another brand that have adjustable temperature differential. They offer adjustable differential of +-0.2 to +-2 degreeF with default setting of 0.5 for cooling and 0.4 for heating.

To set the differential select heat or cool slide switch and press both + and – buttons for three seconds and press+- key again to increase or decrease differential in 0.2 degree increment or decrements.

It also has 5 minutes time delay like Robertshaw for compressor ON/OFF to prevent short cycling of compressor.

This company offers thermostat of all types including programmable,set back, wifi, with or without humidity control, line voltage, thermostats with remote sensors, single and multistage thermostats etc.

Check out Pro1 Iaq T701 Digital Non-Programmable Thermostat (1H/1C)

One of the feature offered by company is free private label badge that removes it’s logo if you want.

Many brands that do not have a dedicated site are probably selling rebranded models from sellers like Pro1IAQ or other whole sale sellers in China.

We say so because they all sell almost identical models with almost identical features and functions.

So you can buy from any of them as they all are more or less the same.

They have cheap programmable and non programmable models for single and multi stage as well but their non programmable models usually sells the most.

Few such brands on Amazon are

Heagstat

Electeck

Suuwer

All of the above three brands offers identical models with same differential setting of +-0.2 to +-2 degree F along with 5 minutes compressor delay ON/OF protection and same procedure of setting them.

Check out

Heagstat H721 Non Programmable Heat Pump Thermostat

ELECTECK  Non-Programmable thermostat

Suuwer non programable thermostat

Aowel  and Garystat

All feature are same except that it has 3 minute rather than 5 compressor ON/OFF delay protection.

Check out

Aowel thermostat

Garystat thermostat

Recommended CPH for various furnaces in well insulated new homes with low heat loss.

1.)Heat pumps-1.5 to 2 cph

2.)Electric furnace-3-5 cph

3.)Gas furnace-3-4 cph

4.)Oil furnace-3 cph

Best wifi thermostat with lockout for home or rental property

Are you a rental property or mini business owner, or do you have curious small children in your home.In such case you certainly want to lock your thermostat to control who can or cannot access the temperature setting to prevent damage in terms of energy bills or hvac instruments. Well you can be relieved because if you want to buy a wifi thermostat most famous brand and their models offer such functionality, even the china made models like Beok etc. We list some of the best wifi thermostat with lock out based on their ease of use, applicability and trouble shooting.

1.)Emerson sensi wifi thermostat .

Buy any model of Emerson sensi. It comes with lock feature from app or from the keypad if it is not touch screen. We like the classic Emerson sensi without touch screen or its use of ease for lock out.

The keypad can be locked remotely or at the device by pressing menu and up button for 5 seconds But it cannot be unlocked from keypads.For that you have to use the app as shown above.This is ideal if you do not want other occupants of the home or building to change the setting except you who will have full control from the app.Perfect for landlords and rental property owners.

To assure that you have  keypad lock you need to have to confirm that you have

Firmware version: 9.06 or greater

iOS App version: 1.1.0 or greater

Android version: 1.091 or greater

In addition Emerson updates the firmware within 24 hours of installation son you don’t need to upgrade the thermostat.

Click here for more details,price ratings and reviews of Emerson sensi on Amazon

2.)Honeywell Thermostat-All wifi honeywell thermostat comes with a partial or full lock mode. This allows you to completely or partially lock various features of thermostat. Fully full lock prevents accidental or unauthorized change in heat/cool temperature set point.

While locking honeywell gives you a pin which you can reenter to unlock thus you should remember the pin even if you forget the only option which remains is to call customer support. Toll free no-18004681502

Things which you should have before calling customer support –

1.model number

2.date code

which you can easily find in menu>equipment status

The best and economic model we could find is Honeywell TH9320WF5003 Wi-Fi 9000 because with these wifi models unless users has the pin you will be assured that no one can change your settings but in keypad lock thermostats the lock and unlock is just few button press away on the thermostat.

You can also set minimum and maximum temperature range and give partial access to your tenants so that they can only change temperature set points within your allowed range. To do that go to

Menu>Preferences>Advanced preferences>programmable>Set minimum and maximum temperature>Done>Previous menu>Home.

Thermostat with keypad lockout is particularly suitable for landlords or rental property owners as the guest are totally locked out.

There are also thermostats which allows to set temperature limits.

But it does not lock the buttons.

So it wont be secure and cause huge money bills if tenants mess up with temperature setting continuously.

For other who want a thermostat for tenants as a landlord or don’t want children or unauthorized person accessing the thermostat use keypad lock out models.

Other Honeywell thermostat that have screen lock out feature are

If you want  keypad lockout try these models:

T9/T10 Smart thermostat with wireless sensors . T10 is duel fuel  compatible with humidity control.

T5/T6 Smart thermostat without wireless sensors. Models including TH6320WF2003, TH6220WF2006, TH6320U2008, TH6220U2000, TH6210U2001

Honeywell wifi thermostat with  RTH9580WF, the RTH9585WF, and the TH9320WF

Honeywell Vision proT H8110R1008, TH8320R1003, TH8321R1001, TH8321WF1001,

Honeywell Prestige IAQ  THX9421R5021.

For range stop settings, to set high and low temperature limits for heating and cooling try-
TH8110R1008, TH8320R1003, TH8321R1001, TH8321WF1001, TH6320WF2003, TH6220WF2006, TH6320U2008, TH6220U2000, TH6210U2001, THX9421R5021, TH6110D, TH6220D, TH6320U1000, TH5110D, TH5220D, TH5320U.

Click here for more details,price ratings and reviews of Honeywell TH9320WF5003 Wi-Fi 9000 on Amazon.

3.)Ecobee wifi thermostat-Like all above companies Ecobee also give locking option for all its models. While being  expensive it is a smart solution for landlords because it allows to set temperature range limits for both heating and cooling.  To do that

  1. Go to Menu > Settings > Preferences
  2. Tap onHeating range/Cooling range
  3. Set the upper and lower limit values.
  4. Tap on Save.

Tenants can choose between heating and cooling but without requiring the pin and also not changing the temperature limits.If you want to be extra sure you can download an app called iftt which gives you the alert when the temperature program changes.

To lock an ecobee go to menu>settings> access control>enable security code and enter 4 digit password that you want to set. Then select  features that you want to require password or simply select all to lock the thermostat completely. If you forget your access code here are the steps to recover it

  1. Login to ecobee.com   and you can disable the password from there by going to Settings then access control and select disable.

or

2.)Call support and after confirming your identity they will send you the access code via email or through sms.

Click here for more details,price,ratings and reviews of Ecobee3 lite second generation on Amazon.

4.)Nest smart thermostat.

Locking a nest thermostat is very easy. It can be done with the app or from the thermostat itself. One thing to point out is that nest doesn’t allow to set temperature ranges for heating and cooling separately. You can just adjust the temperature lower and upper limit. This is also a bit complex.

Nest allows you to lock in in two configuration.

a.)Heat or cool mode-In this mode you can lock in either Heat or cool mode. After you create a four digit pin you can set temperature limit for either heat or cool mode. Guest can change the temp by moving the nest outer ring within your set temperature but cannot alter the heating or cooling mode without the PIN. Also when You lock your thermostat with app  the smallest temp range you can set is 5 degree(Eg 70-75).There is no such limit when you lock at thermostat itself and you can set the temperature to a fix value.

b.)Heat-cool mode-When you lock your nest in this mode either by app or thermostat you can also set temperature range limit.The lowest range is 2 degree.eg(70-72).Also no one can change temperature by turning the ring without knowing the pin.Only you can change the set point using phone app.

So in effect you can only lock your thermostat for guests or tenants for a particular season and then you have change it or you have to give them app access in case of heat-cool mode as the ring slider wont work.

How to lock nest.

1.Tap setting icon located on top right corner.

2.)Turn the outer ring till Lock  option show up on the screen and tap on it

3.Enter 4 digit pass code twice.

4.)If you want to lock in heat-cool mode you have to do an extra step in the thermostat(not app) to set the temperature range.

5.)After you create passwords You can set temperature range for heat or cool mode or for heat-cool mode from app.

Note-If you forget the pin you can reset it via app and receive password reset link.

You can also do it via app.Here are the steps.

1.)Select on settings.

2.)Scroll to the bottom to lock.

3.)Tap and select the 4 digit pin twice.

4.)If you locking n Heat or cool mode you have to set the temperature range by dragging slider to min amd max range Remember the minimum allowed range in app is 5 while with thermostat there is no such limit.

Click here for more details,price,ratings and reviews of nest third generation thermostat on Amazon.

Best cheap wifi thermostat under $100

As you know probably that wifi thermostat are not cheap.They easily cross the 100 $ range.But in an age when everything is becoming smart device controlled like Alexa or Google assistant one would naturally gravitate towards a wifi thermostat that could be used with such devices in your home.

However finding a affordable wifi  thermostat could be a pain when looking at so many models.So we have compiled a list of some good and cheap wifi thermostat that you could get from amazon.Based on customer reviews and experience using them the thermostats listed below are a decent value for your money.

One thing we would like to point out is that most of the time you don’t require a smart learning thermostat like Nest.This is because of the complexities of using such features.Your wifi thermostat may or may not have smart features like Geofencing.IFTT,Auto adjustment of schedule based on your past setting and other conditions like wether hmidity etc. But these are hardly the features most of the people will use.For example Geofencing which lets you change temperature with geolocation is hardly of any use if you routine is same on most of the days of the week.So a simple 5-2 days schedule will solve the same purpose.Also adjusting temperature multiple time whether automatically like in smart thermostat or manually is damaging to you hvac instruments and may cause higher energy consumption.So predominantly a thermostat which you can program and control remotely through app or your voice is the most desired features that will be more than you want to use in wifi thermostats.The prices of these thermostat will reflect according to these feature on the thermostats.

1.)Vine WiFi Programmable Smart Home Thermostat – 2nd Gen

Vine thermostat can be bought for about 70 dollars and it has all the feature of a wifi controlled thermostat.However it does not have few of the features like Geofencing and auto schedule feature of AI that learns your pattern.You have to manually program the thermostat for different setting you want.Other than that this device can be connected to any of you smart devices like tablet phone and can be accessed remotely. It can connect with home automation devices like Amazon Alexa and Google home assistant.

It is compatible with most of the HVAC devices common in US and Canada and comes with weather forecasting up to five days through its cloud compatibility.It also has humidity indicator.Amazon offers tech support or the product for upto 90 days and it also comes up with 30 days return no question asked and get repair service for 3 years and a lifetime technical support.Vine also claims to give feedback within two working days.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Vine WiFi  Thermostat 

2.)Radio Thermostat CT50 7-Day Programmable Thermostat

This 7 day programmable thermostat works with most of the HVAC units whether single or multi stages.It is the cheapest thermostat in the list and can be bought for about 55 $.It can be powered by using  either 3 AA batteries or a C wire.The good feature we like is that you have the option of Geofencing with this thermostat along with other features which are common with others like remote access with smart phone tablet or home assistant devices.The thermostat can be accessed by multiple phone so that more than one family member can adjust temperature from anywhere as long as you have internet.It comes with pre built energy saving program that you can alter as your requirement. However it is not compatible with home automation devices.

This device may not be compatible with windows 10. This video explains how you can overcome that.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings Radio Thermostat 

3.)Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY.

The thermostat is an old model of Emerson and can be bought for 97 $.It offers most of the feature of a smart thermostat like Geofencing,smart alerts for extreme temperature or humidity.The installation instruction is provided in the app with which you can manually install the thermostat in minimum of 30 minutes.The thermostat is also compatible with most hvac instrument.You can check compatibility from here.

The thermostat is Geofencing enabled through Sensi phone app and is compatible with most home automation like Apple home kit Amazon alexa or samsung smart kit.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Emerson Sensi Wifi Thermostat

4.)Sensi lite smart thermostat

If you want to save another twenty dollars you can buy Emerson sensi lite thermostat. It is a ow end model of Sensi touch smart thermostats.

It has all the smart feature like Geofencing, Voice control thorough Amazon Alexa oe Google Home assistant.

In addition it has plus side that it has touch screen.

The only downside is it is not compatible with humidifiers or dehumidifiers like other Sensi smart thermostats.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Sensi lite smart thermostat on Amazon

5.)AirPatrol WiFi Smart Air Conditioner Controller

This thermostat is on our list because this thermostat will not require you to have any changes in your current AC system even if your AC system is old.The only exception is wired central ac system that do not use ir remote control.  It can connect to 10,000 different AC and heat pump models.If you consider the cost of buying a new Ac system because your contemporary thermostat wont connect to it this a deal in terms of money.If your AC is multi split you can add multiple thermostats and control all of them with one app on a single phone.It has Fahrenheit as well as Celsius reading option.Most customer found it easy toset up some even in 5 minutes.

Also this is a smart thermostat as it allows IFTT and geolocation(Geofencing) to control your temperature.All that for $100.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of AirPatrol WiFi Air Conditioner Controller 

6.)LUX CS1 Smart Programmable Digital Wi-Fi Thermostat

Although a smart thermostat with impressive features like smart learning- A feture that enables it to adjust the seeting by learning your preference like in the Nest thermostat and other features like Geofencing and Home away this thermostat comes at only around sixty dollars. Being a wifi thermostat it is compatible with phone App and also has voice controlling features using Amazon Alexa or Google Home assistant and even has IFTT compatibility.

You can manage multiple thermostats, user and locations using thermostat manager.

Smart alerts like temperature and filter change and also energy usage and utility cost report are also noteworthy features of this thermostat for your the price.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of LUX CS1 Smart Programmable Digital Wi-Fi Thermostat on Amazon

7.)Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat

 

Wyze Smart Thermostat is one of the most popular and talked about wifi thermostat with manny smart features industry mainly because of its affordability  some smart features. Here are its key features:

  1. Easy DIY Installation: With clear instructions, most installations can be completed in under 30 minutes.
  2. It is compatible with 90% of home systems, and a C-wire adapter is included for homes without a C-wire.
  3. You can share control of the thermostat with guests and family members through the Wyze app.
  4. Voice Assistant Compatibility: The Wyze Smart Thermostat works seamlessly with popular voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
  5. It dooes not have IFTT or Homekit compatibility but you can configure it to work with other Wyze devices like the Wyze Cam V3,Wyze Lock,  Wyze Plug, Wyze Cam Floodlight. For ex you can turn heating or cooling On if connected Wyze camera detects motion etc.
  6. It has Home,Away and sleep temperature preference and also Geofencing also called auto switch feature.
  7. The Wyze app provides usage tracking capabilities, allowing you to monitor your energy consumption pattern providing identify opportunities for energy savings.
  8. Energy-Saving Features:  It automatically turns on and off based on built-in motion sensors and detects your phone’s location to adjust the temperature accordingly.
  9.  If you input it’s % usage and sizes and expected life time of different filters and it gives you alerts on when it’s time to change them for higher HVAC efficiency.

Note -This thermostat does not have adaptive learning according to your scheduled and routines like high End thermostat like Nest.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat on Amazon

8.)Amazon smart thermostat

This thermostat from Amazon comes for only around $70 is a catch if you only have Amazon Alexa at your home as it only works with it for voice commands and not with other automation system like Gogle home asiatant, Apple Home kit or IFTT.

It is an output of collaboration of Amazon and Resideo(Owner of Honeywell home thermostat). Its inside structure is very similar to Honeywell T 5 and T9 thermostats.

It requires C wire and you need to pay extra for power adapter kit if your HVAC device do not have one.

It has built in temperature and humidity sensors but do not have option for remote sensors.

One distinctive feature of this thermostat from other cheap thermostat that claims to be smart is that it has learning capability that anticipated your heating or cooling needs based on your interaction with thermostat and location of your smart phone. It calls them hunches.

So for ex if you leave more often at certain time it will lower the heating or cooling unless someone interfere and change it at your home.

It can also be programmed for standard schedule if you don’t want Amazon thermostat to control via its hunches.

In both case you can use Alexa routine to enable the thermostat to do certain function based on time of the day. The routine can be initiated by input from  smart home sevices like compatible temperature sensor, motion sensor or your voice.

You can view energy usage report and estimate of your energy cost with inputs such as home size and your prior monthly heating and cooling costs.

It is east to install and supports most forced air, radiant boilers and multistage 3 heat/2 cool heat pumps but not with duel fuel systems.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Amazon smart thermostat on Amazon 

Honeywell RTH6580WF1001 and RET97E5D1005 wifi thermostat

Of all the wifi thermostats by Honeywell these are the cheapest. Both the units have practically the same hardware and have same function but of the two Honeywell RTH6580WF1001 was intended to be sold online while other was not. 

But RTH6580WF1001 is recommended as it has more and recent reviews.

Although it used to be sold at $99 it Honeywell has reduced its price to $79. At this price it offers the capability of setting and changing temperature set point using phone or tablet. It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google home assistant and even compatible with IFTT.

It is compatible with most boilers and heat pumps withup to 3 Heat/2 Cool Heat Pump Systems and up to 2 Heat/2 Cool Conventional Systems however you would require C wire.

It is smart response technology oh Honeywell but do not have AI learning capability of your routine or schedule. It also do not have Geofencing enabled or Auto home/Away mode or remote sensors.

If you want those feature you can opt for Honeywell T5 thermostat.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Honeywell RTH6580WF1001 Thermostat on Amazon

Honeywell T5 RTH8800WF2022 thermostat

Honeywell T series are latest addition to what honeywell calls thermostat and alternatives to lyric 2.0 thermosts which is now discontinued round. T5 is the cheapest of them all.

It has wifi compatibility and works with Apple homekit along with Amazon Alexa, Gogle home kit and Google home assistant which Honeywell RTH6580WF1001 does not support. 

It has Geofencing( Auto Home/ Away) feature to control your HVAC based on your location. It can set the temperature when you are not at home automatically or your manually pre set temperatures. It also has smart response/ adaptive recovery technology.

It does not support remote sensors and duel fuel systems. Otherwise it is compatible with most heating and cooling devices upto 2 heat with auxiliary and 2 cool stages and requires C wires. It has a similar but higher version T6 if you want it for duel fuel systems.

It use to be sold for higher price but now available at $99 on Amazon or Honeywell store.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Honeywell T5 RTH8800WF2022 thermostat on Amazon

Robertshaw  RS10420T Pro Series wifi thermostat This is a simple wifi thermostat that will work with most HVAC systems with upto 4 stage heat/2 stage cool systems.

However it is compatible with Amazon Alexa only.

It does not have many features Ike Geofencing, remote sensors AI learning capabilities. Also for its price of around $70 you can can other wifi thermostats with more functions. It is therefore not so popular among customers.

But it is useful in case you want an adjustable differential thermostat. It comes capability to adjust differential temperature from 0.5 to 3 degree. It is the temperature difference between setpoint and next higher or lower temperature to switch On heating or cooling device. It can be useful to prevent short cycling of your HVAC device.

It also has minimum(maximum 5minutes) compressor ON/OFF delay to protect short cycling of compressor.

It requires C wire and do not have battery backup. It is 7 day or 5-2 4 times a day programmable and has warranty of 6 years.

Click here for more detail, price , reviews and ratings of Robertshaw  RS10420T Pro Series wifi thermostat on Amzon

Other than the above thermostats I found few thermostat like the Beca,Beok or Qiao xi pan on  which are chinese manufacture selling on Amazon but is available for purchase in Alibaba.These thermostat are not so reliable for obvious reason but if you want a thermostats quite low in price you can find multitude of these thermostats  at aliexpress.com and find them or similar other wifi thermostats quite easily there and get it mailed through cheap china post.But as said these thermostat wont have the customer support or maybe clear installation instruction as i read in few of the reviews for models sold on Amazon.

Honeywell RTH7500D Review

Perhaps more than any other company, household thermostats are most commonly associated with Honeywell, the brand whose history reaches back to the invention of a coal thermostat in 1855. Honeywell’s line of 7-day programmable thermostats continues that tradition, providing the convenience of pre-set temperatures for every day of the week.

The Honeywell RTH7500D Conventional 7-Day Programmable Thermostat was designed specifically for homeowners who prefer push button controls, rather than touch screen technology. The model is also priced slightly lower than its touch screen counterparts. All of Honeywell’s 7-day models allow users to program four settings for every day of the week, with terminology – wake, leave, return and sleep – that guide you through the process.

(Click here to download the users manual for the RTH7500D)

Installation – Pros and Cons

Honeywell thermostats can be used with a variety of heating and cooling systems, but some consumer reviews cited trouble in determining the wiring configuration with atypical installations. The product comes with stickers to help identify which wire goes where. Programming the thermostat is fairly easy, and the manual guides you through any confusion in terminology.

The RTH7500D model has an “automatic” option that allows you to set a single temperature that the system will then maintain, switching from cooling to heating systems as needed. It’s a handy option when you’re home all day, and it can be toggled off when you’re not.

User-Friendly Button Interface

Many homeowners will find the button interfaces more user-friendly than those with touch screens. The buttons ensure you won’t accidentally hit the wrong setting. To conserve the batteries, the display remains in “dim” mode until a button is pressed, which triggers the backlight.

The display itself is clear and concise, showing the current temperature, your pre-set temperature, the current time and three options for turning on the fan, setting the clock and for bringing up the scheduling menu. Up/down push buttons to the side make adjusting the temperature simple, even in the dark.

>>> For more details price reviews and ratings about  Honeywell RTH7500D Click here … <<<

Honeywell RTH7600D Review

 

Many homeowners grew up seeing the Honeywell name on their household thermostats. The brand is so deeply imbedded in popular culture that their model known as “The Round” is displayed at the Smithsonian as an iconic American product.

With that kind of legacy, consumers expect a lot from a Honeywell thermostat, and the RTH7600D Touchscreen Thermostat delivers.

The RTH7600D model is compatible with a variety of heating and cooling systems, including heat pump systems. Configuring the thermostat to alternate systems requires using its advanced programming options.

(Click here to download the users manual for the RTH7600D)

Simple, Set and Forget Features

Set the thermostat at the temperature you want, and this thermostat ensures it stays there, automatically swapping between heating and cooling. Its digital display is easy to read, easy to understand and easy to program.

Some consumer reviews complained that the advanced programming interface uses numbered codes like “0300” instead of plain text. The manual clearly explains the codes, so this may be a minor irritation.

Advanced programming also allows users to set reminders to replace the filter and batteries, features that reviewers liked.

Don’t expect the RTH7600D model to serve as a night light. The backlit display stays lit for about eight seconds, then goes dark to conserve the batteries.When lit, the display is extremely user-friendly.

Clear up/down arrows allow you to easily adjust your pre-set temperature, and the system holds the new setting.

Care-Free Programming

This Honeywell thermostat has all the programming options you’d expect from a quality 7-day system, allowing you to easily program the system for variable settings for each day of the week.

The feature that really sets this model apart is its “recovery” option.

Keep the system turned off while you’re a work, set the time you want it to recover your optimum temperature, and the system ensures that your home reaches that temperature by the time you walk in the door.

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Lux TX9100U Review

This thermostat is compatible alongside pretty much any kind of heating or cooling system available on the U.S market.

The Lux TX9100U showcases a user-friendly energy-saving design that is easy to learn even for the not so tech savvy people out there.

Due to the fact it’s programmable the TX9100U utilizes energy only when it’s necessary this unit will be a tremendous factor in helping you to spare money on your energy bills as well as protect the environment.

For safety and further benefits this advice is completely free from mercury.

Because of the large backlit display patented Lux Speed Dial as well as pre-programmed energy-saving plan the TX9100U is extremely simple to use.

The TX9100U allows you develop an entirely different program for every single day of the week and you are able to submit four different time intervals and temperature settings in a 24-hour period.

Whenever you are planning to leave your home for a longer period of time it’s possible to use the vacation hold feature to make sure that you are not paying to heat or cool an empty house.

Save Money and The Environment

Like all programmable thermostats the TX9100U helps reduce energy consumption but this efficient devicetakes savings a step further.

To maximize your home’s energy efficiency the TX9100U comes preprogrammed with a default heating and cooling schedule that’s designed to save up to $500 in energy costs over a year.

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